Experiences and ideas on: Lasagna Gardening Techniques

[TaraBellaBirds]

Thought I would update this thread rather than start another.

I did two large spaces, one was an exsiting space that we retill every year and add compost to keep it rich. This is alot of work all in a short amount of time in the Spring.
I started layering in the fall and had about four layers by spring planting. I got a bit of a late start putting stuff in but we are having an incrediblely wet Summer so far and I hope that the warmth lasts a bit into Oct

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Above; Peppers, Eggplant, broccoli, corn



Corn

Pumpkins, Zuccinni

Watermelon

I like the idea of timbers lining the outside but we have enough trouble with bugs. We will probably just endup lineing the driveway with upright bushes rather than line the garden, and have paths through the ever expanding area.

@donrae I completely see your point on squash, the pumkens went crazy. I have seen people make 'trees' of yellow squash and zuchini, but large fruit like watermelon and pumpkins are too big to support the weight off of the ground. As far as weeds, I seem to be able to keep up with them this year, they are much easier to pull through the cardboard and hay.

 

[3forfree]

You might benefit from putting some plastic over the pile for the winter. I'm in zone 4, and covered a leaf pile (that was laced with urea) partially to keep the leaves from blowing away, and partially to keep the heat in. They broke down quite well by spring. Not bad, considering that I didn't do the pile until late October. I get so jealous when I hear folks in warmer climates talking about starting their winter gardens! But I do ok with a cold frame. Can harvest lettuce through mid Nov, and start again in late Feb.

I did my lasagna over the summer for a new garden, then spread it out after it was done, covering it was one of the things to do for it to work. after that it was a few loads of leaves from the yard, and then hit it with the tiller. I had a soil sample done, and the numbers couldn't have been better.

 

[plmrsix]

We've done this with our pallet garden for the past 2 years & this year we've had great results, especially with our (monster) zucchini. I'm so pleased.
We recent cleared out the entire back section of our yard to make room for our second garden & coop area. I'm planning to do the same in this garden to prep for next season & hope for similar results.

 

[TaraBellaBirds]

This method is getting so popular. All in all I don't necessarily think it is less work than the classic tilled garden, but the plants are getting great nutrients every year out of the same plot. Not to mention the ease of removing the few weeds that pop up!

My pumpkins and zucchini have gone wild! I will post pics once I get my first big harvest!