Sheet Mulch Garden

What is it?

A sheet mulch garden is constructed with little or no soil. It is a layered system of organic materials that composts as time passes. A sheet mulch garden does not require tilling of the soil and is a method of using organic wastes to grow food.

Background

A great way to recycle yard waste and other biodegradables is to build a recycled garden. This idea was originated in England by Ruth Stout many years ago and is still a practical viable way to grow food using little or no soil and layered organic materials. All it takes is a creation of a border using logs, rocks or old lumber and collection of materials for layering in the interior.

Why should we make a sheet mulch garden?

This method helps to recycle organic wastes, reduces soil erosion, increases soil moisture, and reduces waste disposal in our landfills. A sheet mulch garden also creates new soil by composting as we garden. This helps us to grow our own food and become more self sufficient. It turns garbage into gold and is a lot of fun for the family.

How can we make a sheet mulch garden?

It is possible to construct this type of garden on rock, cinder, grass, concrete, or even very hard soil that seems impossible to dig up. You will want to start collecting card board and paper, saving your lawn trimmings, and composting your organic waste materials. You may also consider collecting hedge and plant trimmings, as well as composting manure. You will then need to layer these materials, putting the heavier materials at the bottom and lighter materials at the top.

A six to eight inch bed is recommended as a minimum.. Macadamia nut husks and shells, coffee parchment, monkey pod leaves and shredded green waste from landscaping maintenance have all been used to build these gardens in Hawaii. In addition using composted manure and or small amounts fertilizer between each layer helps to provide plant nutrients and nitrogen.

After the bed is made small pockets can be opened up in the material and potting soil can be added to accommodate seedlings of tomato, pepper, eggplant or whatever you have on hand. For direct seeding a trowel can be used to place a 2” to 3” deep “row” of soil or potting mix on the surface of the bed. Lettuce, herb or cabbage seeds can be sprinkled in and covered. Root crops are not recommended for a new mulch garden.

Over time, organic materials, composted manure and fertilizer are continuously added to the garden to keep the bed level and to feed the composting process. Earthworms will appear in most gardens within a few months. These gardens have been successfully constructed on hard soils, abandoned lots and yes, even asphalt and lava flows. Water and care for the recycled garden, as you would a regular garden.

Source: "Hawaii Backyard Conservation" (PDF), The U.S. Department of Agriculture.