A lasagna garden is a garden made using one of the easiest organic methods of gardening, because no digging or tilling is required. It is also referred to as sheet composting, meaning that an individual can use any scraps from the yard or kitchen. By adding these layers of organic material, fluffy and rich soil will develop in the garden. This type of garden is best for individuals who have busy lives but still love the taste of fresh garden-picked vegetables. Fall is the best time to start putting together this type of garden because these cooler months will keep the compost moist.
There are many layers in this form of gardening. The first layer in a lasagna garden should consist of brown or corrugated cardboard, or if this is not available three layers of newspaper can also be used. This material should be placed over the grass or weeds in the area that has been selected. The material should be watered down, and in time it will smother the weeds located beneath, starting the decomposition process. This layer will also provide the dark, moist area your plants need to attract worms that will loosen the soil.
In the second layer and following layers of your lasagna garden, many items can be used to create great compost material. Some which might work well are coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable scraps, and egg shells. While putting together this type of garden, it may be helpful to put layers of newspaper or leaves in between the layers of compost. This will help enrich the soil with nutrients for the plants.
There are many advantages to having a lasagna garden. It can be started any time of year, although the fall months are generally considered to be the best time. During the fall months, gardeners have the advantage of using the falling leaves and yard waste already accumulated in the yard. If a gardener decides to begin the garden in spring or summer, he or she may want to add some topsoil to the garden. Gardeners will not have to worry about adding extra fertilizer, losing water, or working with tough soil when making this type of garden.
To maintain a lasagna garden, individuals simply need to pull weeds occasionally and water it regularly. It may also be helpful to regularly add more grass, manure, mulch, or leaves to the top of the garden. Any type of plant can be grown in this type of garden, and it is simple to build and maintain.
