This method is also called the sheet mulching or lasagna method.
The goal is to layer different organic matter to prevent grass from accessing sunlight and water.
You will need the following material:
- 1 layer of undyed cardboard (all staples, tape, and labels removed – wetting the cardboard helps to release this material) and/or a minimum of 10 newspaper sheets.
- 1 layer of dried leaves, branches, twigs, wood chips and/or mulch.
Instructions:
- Cut your lawn as short as possible.
- Thoroughly water the area where you want to remove your grass.
- Cut the grass with an edging tool, dig a small trench, or think about setting rocks or sticks around the edge where you’ve cut.
- Add 1 layer of cardboard and/or 10 newspaper sheets, including down into the trench. The cardboard should overlap to prevent light from getting in.
- Thoroughly water the cardboard and/or newspaper.
- Cover with a 1 – 2 inch (2.5 – 5 cm) layer of other organic material such as dried leaves, twigs, wood chips and/or mulch.
- Thoroughly water the organic material and continue watering regularly.
Your flower bed is ready to be used when the material has decomposed and revealed fresh soil.
Groundcover plants
Looking for alternatives to lawn? Try these native groundcovers:
- Field Pussytoes (Antennaria neglecta)
- Lance-leaved self-heal (Prunella vulgaris var. lanceolata)
- Rugel’s Plantain (Plantago rugelii)
- Virginia Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)
- Woolly Blue Violet (Viola sororia)
Handouts
Find these instructions in printable handouts here:
