Lasagna Gardening

           

 One of the types of gardening that was mentioned in yesterday’s post was lasagna gardening. I’ve decided to discuss this method first since there was some interest shown in it by a few people. This method is particularly suited to people who are unable, or would just prefer not to, dig and till the soil. I would say that between container gardening, raised beds, and lasagna gardening, the latter most closely resembles the look and feel of a traditional garden. Because this method is usually done on the ground level it will require bending and kneeling. Now just because ground level is the norm, does not mean that people can’t be creative and also use this method in a raised bed. Alright, let’s get down the basics of the lasagna garden.

            The most important aspect of lasagna gardening is the layering. Just like making lasagna, various layers of materials are applied in a repeating manner until the desired depth of planting material has been achieved. After you have plotted a space for the garden you will need a sufficient amount of newspaper, organic material, and peat moss to reach a depth of 18 to 24 inches. When gathering your newspaper, be sure to avoid any colored adds, glossy pages, or Sunday comics. A good mix of grass clippings, leaves, compost, and manure serve as the perfect combination of organic material.

          

  The first layer to go down is the newspaper. The paper layer should be 3-4 inches thick. You will need to completely saturate the paper with water. Some people use a hose to drench each individual layer of paper while building up to the 3-4 inch depth needed. Another method is pre-soaking the papers in a tub, or other container, of water. The important thing is to make sure it is thoroughly wet and that you overlap the edges about 4-5 inches when putting it down. After the paper comes the peat moss. You should create a layer between 2 and 3 inches thick. Follow this with a 3-4 inch layer of your organic material. You then simply repeat the layers until you reach the 18-24 inch depth. Wet the finished bed until you have a sponge like consistency.

            Your lasagna bed is now complete and ready for planting. There is no need to let the layers rest, cook, or anything else for that matter. Simply cut through the layers to the specified planting depth of the plants, or seeds, you wish to grow and put them in. Many people choose to use mulch around their plants to help retain moisture and cut back on weed development. Provide the plants with an appropriate amount of water and sunlight throughout the growing season and your garden should thrive. This method is most commonly used to grow vegetables and annuals. I have, however, heard of people using it to plant perennials and even shrubs and small trees. When planting something more “permanent” than annuals, it is my understanding that you should allow the garden to “bake” for 3-4 weeks before planting. This allows the materials to sink down some. You may also have to add more mulch as the season progresses and the plants settle into the soil below the bed.  

 All in all, lasagna gardening can be quite satisfying and prolific. It is a method that simulates the natural soil without the back breaking work of removing sod and tilling up the ground. One more helpful hint; before you begin your garden make sure you have it located in an area where it will receive the appropriate amount of sunlight for the plants you wish to grow. Well, that’s it for today. Tomorrow I will talk about raised beds. This is a wonderful option for people who cannot bend or are wheelchair bound. See you then.