Sheet Mulching: How to Turn Lawn into Garden

Sheet mulching is an effective method for creating new garden beds and suppressing weeds. It mimics the natural process of soil building in forests and provides a healthy base for planting. It’s also a great way to keep soil structure intact AND minimize your waste when turning lawn into garden!

Here's a step-by-step guide to successful sheet mulching:

Materials Needed

• Loam (to level the space)

• Cardboard (large sheets, free of non-biodegradable materials like tape and stickers)

• Compost

• Mulch (woodchips or leaf mulch works well)

• Water

• Garden tools (shovel, rake, garden hose)

Steps

1. Prepare the Space:

   • Level the Area: Use loam to level the space where you plan to sheet mulch. This ensures a smooth base for layering materials.

   • Scalp the Vegetation: Mow or cut the existing grass and plants as low to the ground as possible. This reduces competition and allows the sheet mulch to smother the plants effectively, leaving root systems in place.

2. Lay the Cardboard:

   • Prepare Cardboard: Remove any tape or non-biodegradable materials from the cardboard. These materials can take a long time to break down and can hinder plant growth.

   • Lay Cardboard Over the Area: Overlap the edges of the cardboard sheets by about 6 inches to prevent weeds from sneaking through the gaps.

3. Planting (Optional):

   • If you plan to plant immediately, dig holes through the "X" cuts in the cardboard and plant your desired plants. Ensure they are well-watered after planting.

4. Add Compost:

   • Spread a 2” layer of compost over the cardboard. This adds nutrients to the soil and promotes microbial activity that breaks down the cardboard.

5. Water Thoroughly:

   • Water the compost and cardboard layer thoroughly. This helps to kickstart the decomposition process and ensures that the cardboard stays in place.

6. Apply Mulch:

   • Spread a 2-4” layer of mulch over the compost. This layer insulates the soil, retains moisture, and further suppresses weeds.

7. Maintenance:

   • Weed Management: If you don't plan to plant immediately, regularly check for and remove any weeds that might sprout on top of the mulch. This prevents them from establishing and ensures the success of the sheet mulching process.

   • Replenish Mulch: Over time, the mulch will break down and decompose. Add more mulch as needed to maintain a 2-4” layer.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Season: Late summer to early fall is ideal for sheet mulching, as it allows the materials to break down over the winter, preparing the soil for spring planting.

• Use Quality Materials: Ensure your compost is well-aged and free of weed seeds. Weeds are inevitable, but well stored, well-aged compost shouldn’t have too many. Use natural, untreated materials for mulch.

• Be Patient: It can take several months for the cardboard and mulch to break down and create rich, healthy soil. The wait is worth it for the long-term benefits.

Sheet mulching is a powerful technique to transform your garden space into a thriving, low-maintenance ecosystem. By following these steps, you'll create a strong foundation for your plants and promote healthy soil biology.