How to Sheet Mulch

HOW TO SHEET MULCH

Utilizing cardboard as a mulch is a sustainable and creative way to hack your cardboard: It keeps the cardboard out of the landfill while functioning as a mulch and weed block for your garden. Most importantly, it can be an important component of sheet mulching—also known as “lasagna gardening”—which is an easy way to build a no-dig garden that does not require tilling. Using this technique, which was originally popularized in the late 1990s by Patricia Lanza’s creative book, Lasagna Gardening, can help you build a rich soil within a few short seasons.

1. In the late fall, mow or cut your vegetation to the ground.
2. Cover your garden area with a thick layer of flattened cardboard boxes.
3. Spread a 2-inch layer of wood chips on top of the cardboard.
4. Cover the garden area with a thick layer of newspaper, then water the area well.
5. Add a 2-inch layer of dried grass clippings mixed with rotting food compost.
6. Add a thick layer of chopped fall leaves.
7. Cover the garden area with another thick layer of newspaper, then water the area well.
8. Add a 2-inch layer of mixed fresh vegetable compostables mixed with other compost
   matter such as coffee grounds and sand.
9. Add a 2-inch layer of rotted manure.
10. Top off the layers with a heavy layer of compost.
11. Wait patiently until spring, then dig planting holes directly through the layers
    and plant the garden.
12. Mulch around the plants to help keep weeds down and moisture at the roots of the plants.
13. Once a sheet mulch garden is established, place cardboard around the plants before
    covering with compost and wood chips.