Homegrown Paleo – Sheet Mulching

Written by Jenna | posted in Home Grown Paleo, Workout of the Day | 0 Comments

By Leslie Allen

In last week’s Homegrown Paleo gardening class we explored many ways to prepare an area for a garden. One of the easiest ways to do this is via sheet mulching. Sheet mulching is essentially composting on-site, on the area that needs amending. It is a simple layering of slashed vegetation, cardboard or newspapers, and organic material, topped off with a nice layer of mulch. Over time, these layers decompose into rich fertile soil. Sheet mulching mimics the natural way of building soil, which is from the top down. It is a simple and economical way to create fabulous soil. In other parts of the world, sheet mulching is also called sheet composting, layered gardening, and even lasagna gardening!

The alternating layers of cardboard, organic material and mulch provide the appropriate carbon-to-nitrogen ratio that is needed. If you don’t add nitrogen sources when incorporating carbon-rich materials into the soil, such as sawdust, wood shavings and newspaper, the carbon will temporarily deplete the soil of nitrogen, and it will be difficult to successfully grow anything. For successful sheet mulching, you need to provide appropriate amounts of both carbon and nitrogen. Here’s how to get it right.

Slash or closely mow all existing herbaceous (soft-tissued, nonwoody) vegetation, and leave it in place. This will provide a layer of nitrogen-rich material. However, it is best to remove tomato and squash plants from the area to avoid potential disease and pest problems.

Next comes the carbon layer. Flatten a bunch of cardboard boxes, and lay them down, overlapping them by 6 inches. You can also use a one-quarter- to one-half-inch layer of newspapers, torn up phone books, or old pieces of carpet. Soak everything with a hose. Wetting down this layer is important. Water is a catalyst to kick-start the decomposition of the materials. Once everything is thoroughly soaked, try not to walk on it, or you may tear it.

Next, it’s time to spread a 2-4 inch layer of manure or compost. If you are doing this now, and do not plan to plant vegetables in the spring, you can use fresh manure if it is weed-free. Otherwise, use aged manure or compost. Then, wet the area again. The layer of manure or compost will entice earthworms and other soil organisms up into the sheet mulch and hasten its decomposition. Finally, top it all off with at least a 2-inch layer of mulch. Straw is a good choice because it is inexpensive, about $5-7 a bale. Just be sure that it is straw and NOT HAY!

The beauty of sheet mulching is its versatility. It can be done over bare soil or an existing lawn to build rich garden soil. Since sheet mulching provides the ideal carbon to nitrogen ratio, you can plant directly into it! If you’re going to plant small vegetable starts (in pots smaller than one gallon) just create a small hole in the top layer of mulch and place your plant on top of the all the remaining layers. Fill the hole with potting soil and move the mulch back in. Avoid piling the mulch around the plant like a volcano. Instead, taper the mulch away from the plant so that you leave a little space around the stem.

If you’re going to transplant one gallon sized containers, make a hole through all the layers of organic material, cut an “X” into the bottom layer of cardboard, dig your hole, and install your plant. Then, put the organic material and mulch back into place. Again, avoid mounding the mulch, taper it away from the plant.

There you have it – a simple, inexpensive, and nontoxic way to kill your lawn and instantly install a new garden! Sheet mulching kills weeds and lawns without herbicides, while building the soil without requiring tilling. It is a great way to build an organic garden, and it’s practiced all over the world. Don’t forget to sign up for the May 2 Homegrown Paleo gardening class. We’re going to explore the biological, physical and chemical properties of soil. Every successful garden has its foundation in healthy and productive soil. You don’t want to miss this class! Sign up on BCF’s Zen Planner.

Recommended Reading

Gaia’s Garden by Toby Hemenway

The Ruth Stout No-Work Garden Book by Ruth Stout

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