Drop the spade! Removing grass to prepare for a new garden doesn’t have to be backbreaking work. There is a better way- and it starts with a visit to the recycling bin.
When preparing a space in the lawn for a new flower or vegetable garden, removing the grass is usually the first task at hand. Save yourself some time (and a trip to the chiropractor,) by utilizing the no dig method in your garden.
How to Remove Grass to Prepare for New Garden
You’ll need to gather some of the most common recyclables: cardboard or newspaper. Using cardboard or newspaper as a base layer is an effective, earth-friendly method that will block the sunlight, provide a barrier to hinder the growth of the grass, and will decompose in a matter of weeks or months.
I use this method all. the. time! to smother grass in new landscaping & garden areas on our property. It’s simple, saves time (and my back,) and actually works!
Remove Grass Without Digging
The No-Dig Method Using Cardboard
Use plain brown cardboard boxes, not wax-coated. Wax repels water, so those types of boxes will not decompose as easily as brown cardboard.
- Use stakes, flags, or any type of marker to map out the shape of your garden area. Mow the grass as short as possible and spread the clippings over the area. You can till the area, but it is not necessary.
- Flatten the boxes and remove staples, stickers, and packaging tape.
- Position the cardboard in the area- completely covering it. Overlap the cardboard by at least 6 inches. Grass is tough and will fill in any gaps if you give it the chance.
- Use a hose to soak the cardboard to kickstart the decomposition process.
- Add 4 to 6 inches of organic materials on top (compost, top soil, or mulch.)
The No-Dig Method Using Newspaper
- Use stakes, flags, or any type of marker to map out the shape of your garden area. Cut the grass as short as possible and spread the clippings on top of the area. You can till the space, but it is not necessary.
- In layers 8 to 10 sheets thick, position the newspapers over the area. Make sure they overlap by about 6 inches. If you’re doing this on a day when there is a breeze, be sure to have a bucket of organic matter (compost, top soil, or mulch) handy. Toss a handful or more on the papers to hold them in place as you work.
- Cover the area with 4-6 inches of organic matter (compost, top soil, or mulch.)
- Take a hose and soak the area.
If you are wanting to get planting right away, cover the newspapers with a 3 to 5 inch layer of a garden soil mixture that consists of 50% top soil and 50% compost. (You can find out how to calculate the amount of soil you’ll need in this post.) On top of the soil mixture, add 2-4 inches of shredded mulch.
Happy planting!
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