The basic components of lasagna composting are nitrogen (N), carbon (C), oxygen (O2) and water (H2O), proportioned to break down organic matter into good soil.
A layer of cardboard or newspaper is placed on the ground with a layer of brown material (leaves, twigs) and a layer of green material (grass clippings, vegetation) on top. This process will suffocate grass and most weeds as well as prevent weed seeds from germinating. By lasagna composting you can start a new bed without digging.
As with any composting, the basic recipe is 2/3 brown material (C) and 1/3 green material (N) mixed with enough water to wet the material but not too much water that it is soggy. On the other end of the spectrum, too little water stops decomposition.
Why cardboard? It helps to regulate the rate of water and air penetration into the soil as well as acting as a platform for decomposition of the green and brown materials.
Lasagna composting is not an exact science but there are things you can do to help move the process along. The finer your pieces of brown and green material are, the more surface to decompose faster and more completely.
If you are not in a hurry, let Mother Nature get the job done over winter for enriched soil to plant into next spring.
For more DIY tips for farmers, gardeners and homesteaders, subscribe here and get Small Farm Canada delivered straight to your door!