I am often asked about the best ways to turn an area of lawn into a new growing area. When people make new growing areas, they often cut off the turf to get started. But I would highly recommend ditching the spade, and adopting a no dig approach.
There are several different ‘no dig’ options to consider. For example, you could:
- Make a ‘lasagna’ garden, which is essentially composting in place.
- Create a Hugelkultur mound.
- Give straw bale gardening a go. (Growing in decomposing straw bales rather than in soil.)
The benefits of choosing no dig gardening system are many and various. Essentially, it is a way to create new growing areas that protects the soil ecosystem and allows it to thrive. When we disturb the soil as little as possible, we allow the complex web to function as it should.
Rather than digging up the turf, we can simply make our new growing areas on top of it. A layer of cardboard will break down over time, but provide protection to prevent grass and weeds from growing up through the bed too quickly. The grass turf below will decompose slowly over time and help build and improve the soil. Adding organic materials on top will help to create a fertile and productive new growing area for your garden.
If you would like more information about no dig gardening, or need help to decide how to get growing where you live, please get in touch.
EWSP Consultancy 