Buzz
Credit: GettyWhile layers of dead leaves, twigs, and fertilizer might not appeal to you, they’re a feast for your plants. This combination generates nitrogen and carbon, delivering vital nutrients to your plants. This intentional stacking of organic materials is known as "lasagna gardening"—a method that, despite its name, has no connection to the iconic Italian dish.
What it does relate to, though, is eco-friendly gardening. The greatest advantage? You don’t even need to visit a store to adopt this technique in your garden! Below, an expert explains the concept of lasagna gardening and how you can get started.
What is Lasagna Gardening?
“Lasagna gardening is an organic method of sheet mulching that involves layering carbon and nitrogen materials directly into the soil,” explains Niamke Shropshire-Boykin, soil science advisor at Rosy Soil. This technique typically starts with laying down cardboard or newspaper over soil or grass, followed by mulch. As a no-till gardening approach, it’s both simple and low-effort.
How to Build a Lasagna Garden
One of the best things about lasagna gardening is that the materials are easily accessible. “Carbon sources include dead tree parts like leaves, bark, twigs, and roots, as well as newspaper and cardboard. Nitrogen sources can be food scraps such as coffee grounds, animal manure, or fresh grass and tree clippings,” says Niamke. By repurposing these materials, you’re supporting nature’s recycling process.
Proper layering is crucial. Niamke cautions that incorrect layering could attract pests. Achieving the right balance between carbon and nitrogen is essential. “Aim for a 4:1 ratio of carbon to nitrogen,” Niamke advises. “Always place carbon layers on top of nitrogen layers, but avoid making them too thick, as this can slow decomposition. Think of lasagna gardening like baking—getting the right mix ensures everything breaks down effectively.”
Additionally, avoid incorporating non-organic materials such as laminated newspaper or treated wood.
How Long Does Lasagna Gardening Take?
While the method is straightforward, lasagna gardening requires patience—it takes a minimum of six months before the soil is ready for planting, as noted by Oregon State University's Extension Service.
Niamke recommends, “Start preparing your soil well before the growing season begins. As George Washington Carver wisely said, ‘Start your compost heap today; don’t wait. Use every spare moment to gather leaves from the woods or collect muck from the swamp.’” This is because the organic layers need time to decompose, he explains. While the process isn’t instant, you can speed it up by shredding leaves, breaking twigs, and chopping food scraps, as smaller pieces decompose more quickly.
