Create the perfect flowerbed the easy way - Lasagna Style
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| the finished flower bed done Lasagna style |
Since I discovered this method, I would never do it any other way. Especially here in Florida, a flowerbed created this way is ready to be planted in just a few short weeks.
No need to dig up weeds or grass, especially the tough Augustine grass, it will be smothered and turned to fertilizer.
Layering is the key, just like making a lasagna in the kitchen.
Layer materials can be: grass clippings, leaves, manure, compost, peat moss, but you must have newspaper.
First step is laying the outline of the new flowerbed.
I find having a firm edging will keep the flowerbed in the shape I want it, and it does keep the soil contained.
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| set the edging |
Creating this border with bricks is not that time-consuming as one thinks. DH takes the big shovel and cuts along the outline, front and back of the bricks, lifting the grass as he goes along. Having created a trench, he then uses the hand shovel to adjust the depth to what is needed for the bricks to be buried about 1/3 deep.
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| first the edging |
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| now the layers |
I put down 4 (at least 4!) layers of newspaper, while DH sprays the paper with water, to soak it AND to keep it in place. There is always a breeze going in FL, the paper just wouldn't stay in place without being moistened right away.
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| adding layers |
Careful, so not to rip the newspaper, we spread some grass clippings, leaves, followed by the compost. the next layer will be cow manure and some leftover potting soil.
All will be covered in a thick layer of mulch
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| adding a layer of compost |
With a soft spray, the new flowerbed gets watered well.
Watered daily and with the Florida heat, the flowerbed is ready to be planted in two weeks.
We did create such a bed in the wintertime, it took 8 weeks for it to be ready, not enough water and heat just didn’t ‘cook’ it fast enough ;-)
Here now the finished flowerbed done lasagna style. The layers are up to the top of the brick edging and mounded even a bit higher to make up for the settling of it all.
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| all done |
Work’s done, time for a break in the shade :-)
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| time for a break |