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INSTRUCTIONS FOR CREATING A SHEET MULCH NO DIG GARDEN BED

A sheet mulch no dig garden bed is the least laborious way to convert a lawn or a weedy

area into an intensive annual bed. Using this technique you will be able to create rich

healthy soil and block out weeds. The following below tells you how to create the gardenbed, step by step.

*Before starting it is always recommended that you test the pH of the soil to see whatamendments need to be added.*

Materials Needed:

1. Compost, poultry or stock manure

2. Soil amendments if needed

3. Cardboard or newspaper4. Weed seed free compost

5. Straw6. Plants

7. Water

Tools Needed:

1. Wheelbarrow2. Shovel

3. Watering can or garden hose

1.0 PREPARING THE AREA

1.1 Mark out the area where you want to create your new garden bed.

1.2 Knock down all the weeds or existing vegetation in the desired garden bed

area by stepping on them or slashing them back.1.3 Remove any bulky plant materials.

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2.0 ADDING COMPOST AND MINERAL AMENDMENTS

2.1 Spread amendments over the area if needed.2.2 Add a layer of compost or well composted manure to the entire area.

2.3 Soak the area with water until it is completely saturated.

3.0 ADDING THE WEED BARRIER

3.1 Lay cardboard or newspaper down over the area. If newspaper is used youwill need to wet each piece to keep it from blowing away while you lay it

down. Make sure to overlap the pieces by at least 6.

*One layer of cardboard is fine but if newspaper is used you will need to layer it4-6 pages thick.

3.2 If there are any existing plants make sure to leave a generous openingaround the root crown for air circulation.

3.2 Wet down the cardboard/newspaper.

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7.0 WATERING PLANTS

7.1 Water the plants as needed.

Make sure to leave some space around each plant for circulation.

Enjoy your new weed free no dig garden bed, but be sure to take care of some of these

potential problems:

Do not pile mulch up against the trunks or stems of plants as this cuts off the

circulation and this will promote disease.

Keep an eye out for snails, slugs, and rodents who might seek cover in the strawmulch layer.