How to Create a Garden by Sheet Composting Your Organic Waste
by John Yazo
Sheet composting is a method that you add layer upon layer of organic materials on top of each other and let them cook down or decompose over a period of time. It is also an eco- friendly way to garden. As the organic material decomposes it turns into a rich humus loose soil that is ideal for growing your crops directly in. It is also a great way to create a garden in an area that is hard to dig or can't be dug at all.
There are several names this method of composting is called, sheet mulching, composting in place, sheet composting, and lasagna gardening, along with just as many variations. The basic idea is the same for all, instead of pulling out sod, tilling or digging the soil, and adding compost or manure as a soil amendment to create a garden bed, sheet mulching builds the soil on top of what already exists. All you need to do is layer organic material, just as you would in a compost pile or bin, on top of the existing area you want to garden to smother the weeds, and allow it to break down over the course of time to build a nutrient rich humus. The process more closely represents what natures soil building process is naturally in the wild, ground covered with leaves, rotting logs, and decomposing plants, along with other organic material supplied by animals. While sheet composting isn't as quick of a process as other methods, given that a bed requires months of waiting until it is ready for planting. It is more of a process of mulching that builds soil over time.
This method of composting is a method that is regularly used in a no-dig garden. It is a way to create a natural environment for all the beneficial organisms in the soil to work the garden soil for you. Building a healthy organic soil structure is what you want when organic gardening. This organic matter is what is needed to supply the soil food web and help create a healthy environment.
The materials that can be sheet composted are the same materials that you would put into your compost pile or bin. All your organic yard waste as well as organic household waste can be included and there is no labor involved but to carry it out to the area you are composting and spread it out.
Start you on sheet composting operation in your own yard and create a healthy environment that your crops will benefit from. They will have a steady supply of all the natural nutrients needed for them to thrive and produce a healthy and high yielding crop.
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