How to Build a No-Dig Bed in Fall
Lay overlapping cardboard on mowed grass, then stack equal layers of greens and browns to 18 inches or more, ending with browns. Build it in fall. It brea...
Published by ThriveThyme
raised beds no-dig lasagna gardening fall leaves fall
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How to Build a No-Dig Bed in Fall
Build it now. Cover mowed grass with overlapping cardboard, then stack equal layers of green and brown material to at least 18 inches, finishing with browns. Oregon State University Extension says fall is an excellent time because the layers break down slowly over winter and the bed is ready to plant in spring. Expect about six months.
This is also called sheet mulching or lasagna gardening. The Raised Bed Desk works out the cardboard, greens, browns, and bags of leaves for your bed size.
Steps
- Mow or scalp the grass as low as it goes.
- Dig out persistent weeds such as bindweed, quackgrass, thistle, and blackberry. Cardboard will not smother them.
- Loosen the soil with a digging fork for drainage.
- If you are using a frame, set it in place now.
- Lay plain brown cardboard with tape and labels removed. Overlap edges by at least 8 inches. Soak it.
- Add a green layer first, since cardboard is already a brown.
- Add an equal layer of browns. Water each layer lightly as you go.
- Repeat to 18 inches or more. End with a brown layer.
Oregon State University Extension describes layers of about 1 to 2 inches. Thin layers break down faster. Thick layers are quicker to stack.
What Counts as Green and Brown
| Greens (nitrogen) | Browns (carbon) |
|---|---|
| Grass clippings | Shredded dry leaves |
| Vegetable and fruit scraps | Straw |
| Coffee grounds | Shredded paper and cardboard |
| Fresh cow, horse, or poultry manure | Wood chips and bark |
| Weeds with no seed heads | Pine needles |
| Alfalfa pellets | Corn stalks |
Leave out meat, dairy, oils, pet waste, diseased plants, and weeds that have gone to seed.
Use Your Fall Leaves
Leaves are the cheapest brown you will find in October and November. Shred them first so they do not mat. See how to shred leaves for mulch and the Fall Leaves desk. A 4 by 8 foot bed built 18 inches tall needs about 24 cubic feet of browns, or about 6 yard bags of 30 gallons.
In Spring
The pile shrinks a lot as it breaks down, so build taller than the depth you want. Oregon State University Extension finishes beds with a 2 to 6 inch brown layer, using the thicker end if you plant right away. If the layers are still coarse at planting time, set transplants into pockets of compost.
Related
Sources: Oregon State University Extension EM 9559, Sheet mulching and lasagna composting with cardboard; Oregon State University Extension, Sheet Mulching fact sheet.