- What is sheet mulching?\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Where to sheet mulch<\/a><\/li>
- When to sheet mulch<\/a><\/li>
- Sheet mulching materials<\/a><\/li>
- 9 steps to sheet mulching<\/a>
- 1. Test your soil\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Mow your lawn low<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Remove weeds and other obstacles<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Open the soil<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Add a thin layer of mulch<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Spread newspaper or cardboard<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Add compost<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Spread brown mulch<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Water the mulch and wait<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Benefits of sheet mulching<\/a><\/li>
- Disadvantages of sheet mulching<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ about sheet mulching<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
What is sheet mulching? <\/span><\/h2>
Don\u2019t rush out and buy a silk blanket for your lawn. Despite the name, sheet mulching (AKA sheet composting) doesn\u2019t involve any bed sets. It\u2019s a permaculture technique<\/a> of smothering grass and weeds by layering paper, cardboard, and other organic materials over a portion of your lawn that you want to change. <\/p>
Though it may sound destructive, sheet mulching is a way to build nutrient-dense topsoil from the ground up. Layers of mulch block sunlight from reaching existing plants and seeds, and they improve soil quality while they decompose.<\/p>
Sheet mulching is a popular option for homeowners who want to replace their old, thirsty grass with a fresh garden or drought-friendly xeriscape<\/a>. <\/p>
Where to sheet mulch<\/span><\/h2>
Most people use sheet mulching on lawns to make room for new garden beds (such as framed, raised beds<\/a>), rock gardens<\/a>, or rain gardens<\/a>. However, you also can sheet mulch existing garden beds to smother weeds and improve the soil quality. <\/p>
Sheet mulching is especially useful for areas with persistent weed problems that need a full makeover. However, it also can be performed on a generally weed-free zone that needs healthier soil for the plants you want to grow. <\/p>
Sheet mulching is a great first step for sustainable landscaping, no matter where you live. For homeowners in California and the Southwest, sheet mulching holds financial appeal \u2014 some local governments offer rebates and financial incentives for those who replace their green lawns with xeriscapes, and sheet mulching is an excellent way to get started.<\/p>
When to sheet mulch<\/span><\/h2>
While you can sheet mulch at any time of year, it\u2019s ideal to sheet mulch in the<\/strong> fall<\/strong>. This gives plants the entire winter to decompose, so you can spring into spring with a fresh planting area filled with nutrient-rich material. If you sheet mulch in October, your garden should be ready for planting in April. <\/p>
Alternatively, you can sheet mulch in middle to late spring<\/strong> when weeds like crabgrass<\/a> are becoming a menace.<\/p>
It generally takes five to six months for sheet mulching to work its magic, but depending on your mulch type and height, it could take a<\/strong>s long as a year. It\u2019s a long wait, but the result is a weed-free area that\u2019s ready for long-term planting success.<\/p>
Sheet mulching materials<\/span><\/h2>
- Soil test<\/li>
- Lawn mower<\/li>
- Shovel<\/li>
- Spading fork<\/li>
- Organic mulch (compost, cottonseed meal, shredded leaves, or straw)<\/li>
- Rake<\/li>
- Hose or sprinkler<\/li>
- Biodegradable weed barrier (newspaper, cardboard, or both)<\/li>
- Wheelbarrow<\/li>
- Compost or manure<\/li>
- Brown mulch like wood chips, pine needles, sawdust, or shredded bark<\/li>
- Garden knife (optional)<\/li>
- Small plants (optional)<\/li> <\/ul>
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Mulching on a budget? Your local recycling center is a great resource for free cardboard boxes, and you can ask your neighbors to save newspapers for you.<\/p>
9 steps to sheet mulching<\/span><\/h2>
![\"illustration](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_lawnlove-lasagna-garden-illustration-v3.jpg\")
<\/figure> Sheet mulching means you\u2019ll add layer upon layer of different mulches: First a light layer of green or brown mulch<\/a>, then cardboard or newspaper, then compost, then a brown mulch. It\u2019s like cooking a delicious lawn lasagna (hence its nickname, lasagna gardening). Follow these 9 simple steps to get your lawn cooking. <\/p>
1. Test your soil <\/span><\/h3>
Test your soil to see what soil amendments and fertilizers it needs, so you can give your new growing area a healthy start. Call your local cooperative extension office<\/a> for information about soil labs near you.<\/p>
2. Mow your lawn low<\/span><\/h3>
Mow the area you want to sheet mulch on the lowest mower setting. For healthy grass, this is something you do not<\/em> want to do. But here, the goal is to stop your grass from growing, so you want to scalp it. Don\u2019t remove fresh grass clippings \u2014 they\u2019ll serve as natural mulch. <\/p>
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Flag or mark sprinkler heads before you mow to prevent accidental damage.<\/p>
3. Remove weeds and other obstacles<\/span><\/h3>
Some heavy-duty weeds (like blackberry, oxalis, thistle, and bindweed) won\u2019t respond to sheet mulching, so you\u2019ll need to remove them individually, either manually or with a shovel. Clear out any twigs or rocks so your soil surface has strong contact with the mulch. <\/p>
4. Open the soil<\/span><\/h3>
If your soil is compacted, now is the time to gently aerate your lawn<\/a> to give it an oxygen boost. Push your spading fork into the ground and rock back and forth to loosen the soil and create holes for nutrients to enter. <\/p>
Dealing with poor soil? Sprinkle soil amendments or rock dust<\/a> (pulverized silicate rock rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus) over your area for a quick nutrient lift. Refer to your soil test to determine what your soil needs most.<\/p>
If you intend to plant bigger plants (in 5-gallon or larger containers), this is your moment. You won\u2019t want to dig through a thick layer of mulch to plant them later on. <\/p>
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Turning your soil may seem like the perfect way to help your lawn, but resist the urge to flip it. Tilling or turning your soil with a shovel will disrupt the soil ecosystem.<\/p>
5. Add a thin layer of mulch<\/span><\/h3>
Before blanketing your area with newspaper or cardboard, spread a thin, 1-inch layer of compost, cottonseed meal, shredded leaves, or straw. This first layer of organic mulch will attract earthworms and other beneficial insects that help aerate the soil. <\/p>
Use your rake to gently even out the mulch. Soak this layer and the ground beneath it with water to start the decomposition process.<\/p>
6. Spread newspaper or cardboard<\/span><\/h3>
![\"newspaper](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/newspaper-mulch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: OakleyOriginals<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Spread layers of newspaper or cardboard over your area, overlapping the edges by 6 to 10 inches so that no sunlight makes its way to the ground underneath. Wet the newspaper or cardboard with water using a sprinkler or hose. Water sets the weed barrier in place and speeds up the decomposition process.<\/p>
- If you\u2019re using newspaper<\/strong>, it should be 8 to 10 sheets thick<\/strong> (about a quarter of an inch). <\/li>
- If you\u2019re using cardboard<\/strong>, it should be one to three layers thick<\/strong> to prevent holes from forming. <\/li> <\/ul>
Holes allow light to reach the soil surface, which encourages weed growth. Remember, this layer is all about smothering weeds and grass so they won\u2019t grow again.<\/p>
If you\u2019ve planted larger plants, keep their root areas free from newspaper and cardboard so they can get nutrients from the air and soil surface. <\/p>
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Remove tape from cardboard, staples from magazines, and glossy pages from newspaper ads before you lay them out. They often aren\u2019t biodegradable and can harm your plants. <\/p>
7. Add compost<\/span><\/h3>
Using a wheelbarrow and a shovel, cover your weed barrier layer with a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost or manure. Spread it evenly across the top of the cardboard or newspapers. This nitrogen-rich \u201cgreen layer\u201d is the secret ingredient to fast decomposition and healthier soil. <\/p>
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Don\u2019t want to pay for compost at a garden center? You can easily make your own compost<\/a> at home with table scraps and lawn waste. <\/p>
8. Spread brown mulch<\/span><\/h3>
Now that your compost is in place, spread a 3- to 4-inch layer of organic material like wood chips, pine needles, sawdust, or shredded bark. This is the carbon-rich \u201cbrown layer\u201d that feeds beneficial microbes, acts as a soil insulator, and prevents compaction. Spray the layer with water to settle it. <\/p>
If you stop here, your newspaper, compost, and mulch layer will stand 7 to 9 inches tall. However, you don\u2019t have to brush off your knees just yet. If you want a higher garden bed, you can repeat the layering process and build a sheet mulch bed up to 3 feet tall. <\/p>
Just note that the more mulch you have, the longer it will take to decompose. If you want a nicely decomposed, weed-free area in five months, you won\u2019t want a 30-inch layer of mulch.<\/p>
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Make sure there are no sneaky weed seeds in your mulch. Straw often contains extraneous weed seeds, so use high-quality straw from a trusted provider. <\/p>
9. Water the mulch and wait<\/span><\/h3>
Water the sheet mulched area with about an inch of water weekly. Your sheet mulched area is ready for planting when the layers have decomposed to the point that you cannot distinguish the old lawn from the mulch: It all looks like one fresh, fertile space. Remember, this typically takes five to six months after mulching. <\/p>
Once your area is ready, pull the mulch back, cut through the cardboard, and dig your plants deep into the soil to ensure that roots make contact with the ground. <\/p>
Can\u2019t wait? If you want some visual appeal as your weeds and grass decompose, spread 2 to 3 inches of compost on top of your brown mulch and add small plants to your area. Use a gardening knife to cut small holes in the layer of cardboard or newspaper and insert plants. Voila!<\/p>
Benefits of sheet mulching<\/span><\/h2>
![\"cardboard](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/rsz_14106310074_a83413666c_c.jpg\")
Jonathan Brodsky<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> \u2713 Easy way to expand a garden
\u2713 Sustainable and eco-friendly
\u2713 Can be done in a large or small space
\u2713 Uses readily available materials
\u2713 Inexpensive
\u2713 Natural way to recycle
\u2713 No heavy-duty equipment needed
\u2713 Naturally prevents weeds with no herbicides required
\u2713 Improves soil quality and builds organic matter
\u2713 Increases soil moisture and water retention
\u2713 Excellent for establishing a xeriscape<\/p>Disadvantages of sheet mulching<\/span><\/h2>
\u2717 Requires patience and planning
\u2717 A more involved process than cutting sod
\u2717 Takes months to decompose
\u2717 Some weeds still emerge and require hand weeding
\u2717 May need to be repeated in weed-prone patches<\/p>FAQ about sheet mulching<\/span><\/h2>
Do I need to reapply mulch to maintain my sheet mulched area?<\/span><\/h3>
Yes, a 3-inch layer of mulch will generally decompose in a year, so it\u2019s a good idea to add mulch yearly to continuously prevent weeds. Break up compacted mulch before applying fresh mulch, and be careful not to mulch directly around tree and shrub roots. <\/p>
How do I stop weeds from returning? <\/span><\/h3>
Some weeds will make a comeback as birds fly over your lawn and squirrels plant seeds and nuts. Weed by hand or apply an organic herbicide<\/a> as weeds rear their heads. You also can reapply cardboard and compost over areas with a particularly bad weed infestation. <\/p>
Help! What is this yellow fungus on my mulch?<\/span><\/h3>
Don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s completely harmless. Yellow fungus (also known as the delightfully named dog vomit fungus or slime mold<\/a>) looks like a neon sponge from outer space, but it\u2019s really just a natural part of the decomposition process. It won\u2019t hurt your plants or your pets. <\/p>
How much compost and mulch do I need for sheet mulching? <\/span><\/h3>
Compost and mulch are usually measured in cubic yards, and the amount of compost and mulch you need depends on the size of your area.
Calculate the volume of compost you need by multiplying the area (in square feet) by your desired depth (in fractions of a foot), and then dividing by 27.
Let\u2019s say the area of your space is 250 square feet, and you want your compost to be 3 inches deep.
Convert your desired depth of 3 inches to feet.<\/strong>
\u20133 inches \/ 12 inches =0.25 feet
\u2013You want your compost to be 0.25 feet deep.
Multiply your area in square feet by your desired depth in feet to find the cubic feet of compost needed.<\/strong>
\u2013Area in square feet x Desired depth in feet = Cubic feet of compost needed
\u2013250 square feet x 0.25 square feet = 62.5 cubic feet of compost needed
\u2013You\u2019ll need 62.5 cubic feet of compost to fill your area.
There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, so to convert, divide by 27.<\/strong>
<\/strong>\u2013Cubic feet of compost needed \/ 27 cubic feet per cubic yard = Cubic yards of compost needed
\u201362.5 cubic feet of compost \/ 27 cubic feet per cubic yard = 2.31 cubic yards
\u2013You\u2019ll need 2.31 cubic yards of compost.
Repeat this calculation to find the amount of mulch you\u2019ll need. If you want a 3-inch-deep layer of mulch, you\u2019ll need the same amount of mulch as compost.<\/p>How much does sheet mulching cost? <\/span><\/h3>
Unlike silk sheets, sheet mulching can be completely free if you use your own compost and get free mulch from an arborist or tree recycling center. However, if you don\u2019t have your own compost or if you want to spring for higher-quality mulch, you\u2019re looking at a total cost of about $200 to $250<\/strong> for a 250-square-foot area.
Mulch ranges from $20 to $60 per cubic yard<\/strong>, and compost costs $30 to $50 per cubic yard<\/strong>. Newspapers and cardboard can be purchased or collected on your own to lower the cost. <\/p>Giving your lawn a comfort blanket<\/span><\/h2>
Sheet mulching may not involve cotton or flannel, but it\u2019s the perfect blanket for your weedy spaces. Plus, it\u2019ll protect the planet: Every acre of turf that is sheet mulched<\/a> keeps 85 tons of sod out of landfills and prevents the use of 10 pounds of herbicide.<\/p>
If you\u2019d rather read the newspaper then spread it over your lawn, call a local lawn care pro<\/a> to vanquish your weeds while you relax and get some shut-eye on your real sheets.<\/p>
Main Photo Credit: Ryan<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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- If you\u2019re using cardboard<\/strong>, it should be one to three layers thick<\/strong> to prevent holes from forming. <\/li> <\/ul>
- If you\u2019re using newspaper<\/strong>, it should be 8 to 10 sheets thick<\/strong> (about a quarter of an inch). <\/li>
- 2. Mow your lawn low<\/a><\/li>
- Where to sheet mulch<\/a><\/li>