Sheet mulching – also referred to as lasagna gardening, sheet composting, and composting in place – is a nontraditional organic gardening method. Popularized by Ruth Stout’s classic No-Work Garden Book, sheet mulching is a form of no-dig gardening thats process closely mimics nature’s soil building process. This method can be used to either establish a new garden, or to enrich existing plantings.
This gardening method involves creating thick layers of organic mulch. Materials such as chopped leaves, grass clippings, straw, hay, compost, etc. are layered over cardboard or newspaper. The decomposition process will improve nutrient and water retention in the soil, encourage favorable soil microbial activity and worms, and suppress weed growth. When properly executed, sheet mulching can significantly improve the overall quality of plants and reduce maintenance as compared to bare soil culture. Consequently, using this method will result in higher than average garden productivity.
Sheet mulching can be done at most points throughout the year. However, to prepare a bed for spring planting (next year), it’s best to being sheet mulching in late summer, or early fall. Doing this will have you fully prepared and ready to plant come spring!