Lasagna gardening, also known as sheet composting, is a simple and effective way to grow your own food without having to till the soil. It is an organic and low-maintenance method of gardening that is suitable for any size of garden or even for small urban balconies and patios.

The basic idea behind lasagna gardening is to build a garden bed by layering organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, kitchen scraps, and compost. The layers of organic matter will decompose over time, creating a rich and fertile soil that will provide a perfect growing environment for your plants.

Creating a Lasagna Garden 

To create a lasagna garden, simply start by clearing an area of any grass or weeds and then lay down a layer of wet newspaper or cardboard to suppress the growth of any new weeds. Then, add a layer of brown materials such as dried leaves, straw, or sawdust, followed by a layer of green materials such as grass clippings, food scraps, or coffee grounds. Repeat these layers until you reach the desired height of your garden bed, making sure to water each layer as you go.

How does it work?

The layers of organic matter will begin to decompose, attracting earthworms and other beneficial microorganisms to your garden. As the organic matter breaks down, it will create a rich and nutrient-dense soil that will provide the perfect growing environment for your plants. You can plant your seeds directly into the lasagna garden or transplant seedlings into the bed once it has settled and begun to decompose.

One of the great things about lasagna gardening is that it requires very little maintenance once established. Simply add more organic matter to the top of the garden as needed and water regularly, and your plants will thrive. There's no need for tilling or disturbing the soil, which helps to protect the delicate microorganisms that are working to improve your soil.