Lasagna Gardening or similar gardening techniques

[JRoss]

I don't think I've seen this talked about on this forum. I've just recently learned about this technique. Of course, I'm relatively new to having an interest in gardening. I sure wish I knew of this a year ago -- would've saved my a lot of back-breaking work. I'm not 18 anymore, you know.

Anyway, does anyone do this or something similar? Just curious.

[CaptainCompostAL]

Yes, all the time! I've been involved in no-till sustainable farming now for about 8 years. I never use a tiller or tractor on my soil. I totally mulch my soil all year round with done as well as undone homemade compost. I mow down and smother my cover crops, never till them in too.

Patricia Lanza's book about Lasagne Gardening is great for small home gardeners. However you can adjust her methods for large sustainable farms too, by using more cover crops, various compost tea recipes, and cheap natural mulches, to reduce the use of mature compost, on large farming areas.

[JRoss]

Thanks, Captain. I have a perennial/shrub bed I put in last year. In the fall, I would like to add compost or other organic materials to this bed. It currently has a good layer of cedar mulch on top. Therefore, would it be better to pull back the mulch and then add the compost/OM and place the mulch back on top. Or, just add the compost/OM on top of the mulch and then perhaps another layer of mulch (cedar or other wood mulch)?

Thanks!