Lasagna Gardening

"Lasagna gardening" - so named because the layers of organic matter you will lay down resemble the layers of pasta and cheese in a lasagna - is a quick, simple way to improve old garden beds or create new ones. In essence, you will layer organic materials that break down over time and create healthy, rich soil for planting vegetables.

It is especially helpful when you are looking to create new garden space where perennial plants are already growing, such as in your lawn. If weeds or grass are growing in the site, use brown, corrugated cardboard to start your first layer.

Start by laying 4 layers of newspaper right on top of the soil (or brown corrugated cardboard, if creating a new bed). Then add the same materials you would add to your compost, again, layering them by browns and greens until the bed reaches about 2’ tall. This garden "lasagna" recipe will break down during the winter months, and in spring, will be ready for planting!

Further Reading

Lanza, Patricia. Lasagna Gardening: The basics of a non-traditional method of gardening that is organic, earth friendly and easy. Mother Earth News, April/May 1999. http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/1999-04-01/Lasagna-Gardening.aspx