A few weeks ago we blogged an article in the LA Times about No-Dig Gardens. They require less water than traditional gardens and they're an easy way to start a raised bed. You can even start one right over a patch of grass you want to get rid of.
Our friend and coworker, Hulda Nelson, tipped us off to the article. Then, last week she started her own no-dig garden and helped us out with some step by step directions.
To get a no-dig garden like Hulda's you'll need:
Step 1: If necessary, level the area you plan to use for your bed. Then lay down newspaper, 10 to 20 layers thick (it will inhibit weed growth) and wet it.
Step 2: Put down a light layer of blood meal and bone meal -- wet again.
Step 3: Put down a layer of alfalfa, top with another light layer of bone and blood meal -- wet again.
Step 4: Put down a layer of straw, top with another light layer of bone and blood meal -- aaaand wet again.
Step 5: Now .. you're almost there. Top with your organic compost (2-4 inches thick). Wet. And you're ready to plant.
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What the heck is blood meal? Sounds gross...
view SFGail's profile
This looks like a great way to get a quick garden online. Seems the fertilization is much more involved with this method, however. Know of any good resources on that type of thing?
view Scott Johnson's profile
http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-orangic-garden-any-where---the-NO-DIG-GARDEN/
view deirdre's profile
Blood meal is dried powdered blood, supposed to be a good natural fertilizer. I tried some in some beds in the yard only once - the dogs wouldn't leave the areas alone. Be careful if you have dogs in the yard, might encourage digging in the veggie patch.
view BonivaGScott's profile
I'd be careful about the hay and alfalfa you buy. Some are treated with preservatives to prevent molding.
view trillium's profile