Lasagna gardening

Lasagna gardening is best done in a raised bed so you will be better able to keep the “layers” contained. If you do not have access to a tiller, this is a good method because you do not till, or dig out any sod or weeds. On the bare ground, lay down 3 layers of cardboard, or 7 layers of newspaper/overlapping. Do not use glossy newspaper ads, the ink in them may be toxic to the earthworms. Newspaper is easier for earthworms to penetrate also. Next comes a layer of organic material, 2 or 3 inches deep. If you are going to use animal manure (aged) you may want to make this the first layer to keep the smell down. Next place another layer of organic material. This can be brown leaves (shredded), grass clippings, compost, straw. If you use all brown material, sprinkle with blood meal to add nitrogen. Mix the brown and green material at a ratio of 4 to 1. When you have your bed 8 inches or more, add a layer of compost on top and plant your garden. Lasagna gardening is a great way to attract earthworms also. Benefits of a lasagna garden include easy preparation of the bed, water savings, and chemical fertilizers are not needed due to the organic matter, and weeds are easily removed. If you want to learn more there is a book by Patricia Lanza published by Organic Gardening magazine called “Lasagna Gardening”

This info was obtained from a handout by the Master Gardeners display at the Nashville Lawn and Garden show.