Sheet Mulching How-To

Sheet mulching is a technique to turn grassy areas into planting beds without breaking your back digging up and removing turf or by using unwanted chemicals to remove grass and weeds. Sometimes called sheet composting or lasagna gardening, it is easy and efficient and worth using in your garden. It is also a method that is often used in permaculture.

The typical materials needed are either cardboard or layers of newspaper and organic material such as grass clippings, manure, straw and wood chips.

This composting method has many benefits. In addition to being a natural way to kill weeds rather than using herbicides, it also cuts the need to till the soil, which can disrupt the soil ecology. Instead, it is a great way to build the soil. It can be used in either small or large spaces.

Getting started

When planning to use this method, start months before you want to plant. Fall is a great time to implement sheet mulching to give materials time to decompose over the fall and winter months. It typically takes four to six months for the materials to break down. By spring you should have a head start on a desirable planting bed for whatever you wish to plant, from ornamental plants to garden vegetables.

Step-by-step to sheet mulching

1: Decide the site size

If you are transforming a turf area or renovating an existing bed, figure out the size and shape of the finished bed. This will help you determine the amount of material you will need.

2: Gather your materials

What to use for successful sheet mulching:

• Cardboard or newspaper – Gather enough cardboard to cover the site without any space between the cardboard. The larger the pieces of cardboard, the better. It will make the job go much more quickly. Remove any labels and tape. If cardboard is not available, around eight to 10 layers of newspaper will work. Remove any of the slick or coated inserts. 
• Organic material – Plan on a 12- to 18-inch layer of organic material. Collect both green and brown organic material and mound it nearby. -
• Water source – Siting your sheet mulching area near a water source is helpful because you will need to wet the area prior to layering and then again as you layer. 

3: Lay out garden bed and mow

Whether you plan on mulching a straight-edged, rectangular shape or are creating a curved bed to fit your landscape, it may be helpful to mark off the area with stakes or strings. Mow the area closely, leaving grass clippings and weeds to decompose. 

While not having to dig is attractive to many and one of the bonuses of this method, some people dig a small edging border around the area to define it, but it is not necessary. If you choose to dig an edge, simply throw the dug-up soil into the bed area.

4: Add amendments

If you have had a soil test, this is the time to add amendments based on the recommendations. Simply sprinkle amendments over the surface area of the ground before adding the layers. In the absence of a soil test, proceed to the next step.

5: Soak the soil

The day before you start your layers, soak the area with water. If the soil is compacted, loosen it by pushing a spading fork or spading shovel into the ground and moving it back and forth a little to loosen the soil. Repeat sporadically across the site without digging up the soil.

6: Add the cardboard layers

Begin laying large pieces of cardboard or layers of newspaper, whichever you are using, down onto the ground, following the bed outline you have laid out. One layer is all you need. Overlap layers 6 to 8 inches so that are no gaps or holes that might allow any grass or weed growth. The goal is to smother out any vegetation beneath the cardboard. After the cardboard is down, wet it thoroughly. Avoid walking on the cardboard or paper layer. 

7: Add the organic layer

After you have the cardboard layer down and dampened, add a thick layer, 12 to 18 inches, of organic material. This can be a layer of nitrogen sources such as grass clippings, other yard waste, and aged manure. Top that with a layer of carbon sources such as chopped leaves, straw, pine needles, or finely ground wood chips. Continue to alternate layers until you have 12 to 18 inches of organic material. Avoid adding any garden debris that contains diseased plants, weed seeds, herbicides, or pesticides. 

Dampen the organic material with water.

If you wish to have the sheet-mulched area to have a tidier look as it decomposes, add a two-inch layer of straw, pine bark, or compost to the top. 

8: Allow materials to decompose

For best results, it is best to allow your sheet-mulched area plenty of time to decompose. By preparing it in the fall, the area will have about six months to decompose before spring planting. Though fall is an optimal time to employ this great technique because the decomposition activity can occur over the late fall, winter, and early spring, it can be used any time.

You're ready for springtime planting

When spring rolls around and the materials have decomposed, you will have a new garden bed ready for planting. What could make a gardener happier? Use a trowel, garden knife, or spade to scoop the mulch away where you want to plant. Place plant roots directly into the soil. 

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