How to Do Lasagna Gardening

Lasagna gardening is a time-saving way of creating an organic garden without any digging, tilling or sod removal. It is called lasagna gardening because a layering method is used. Layering builds soil rich in nutrients that greatly increases the garden's productivity.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a site for your new garden and stake out the area. Place a thick layer of newspapers or cardboard over the area to kill the existing weeds or turf. Water the papers or cardboard to hold it in place. This is the first layer of your lasagna garden.

2. Put down 2 to 3 inches of water-absorbent material like peat moss for the second layer and sprinkle it with water.

3. Spread a 4- to 8-inch layer of organic material such as compost, leaves or grass clippings for the next layer. Sprinkle with water to settle this layer of the lasagna garden.

4. Add another 2 to 3 inches of peat moss over the compost and spray with water and spread another layer of organic material. Water it down.

5. Keep putting layers of peat moss, then an organic layer of clippings, leaves or compost over and over until the total height of the layers reach 18 to 24 inches high.

6. Sprinkle a light layer of bone meal and wood ash on the top of the pile to add phosphorus and potassium to the mix and wet down.

7. Plant the plants or seeds by pulling apart a bit of the mulching materials, put the plant or seeds in and then cover and pat down. Water the entire lasagna garden thoroughly and continue to water throughout the growing season.