Question:
I'm looking to remove a portion of my lawn and replace it with drought-tolerant plants. Is there a way I can do this without removing the grass or using any chemicals to kill it? In addition, I don't want to wait for the grass to die first.Answer:
- Yes, there is a method of doing precisely what you described. It's called 'Sheet Mulching.' Sheet Mulching is not new, as it's been used by organic gardeners who utilize Permaculture. Permaculture is a philosophy of working with rather than against nature. It's a natural process that combines soil improvement, weed removal, and mulching in one fell swoop. It's now being utilized by a whole new group of gardeners looking to replace their grass with plants.
- You'll need cardboard and lots of newspaper, along with organic mulch. First, you scalp the grass by mowing it as low as possible. Next, dig the planting holes, amend the backfill, plant your plants and add starter fertilizer. A thick layer of cardboard or an inch of newspaper is then used to cover or smother the old lawn area leaving the plants exposed. Think of the cardboard or paper layer as organic or biodegradable landscape fabric.
- Another option is to cover the entire area first before planting and then cut holes in the paper or cardboard layer. To prevent the material from moving or blowing around, wet the layer down as you proceed.
- To prevent any new growth or weeds from developing, you should overlap the seams or edges by four to six inches. Sheet Mulching will not prevent the weed seeds that blow in on top of the mulch from germinating. The paper layer is wet again with the existing sprinklers before applying the mulch as the moisture aid in the decomposition. Now I would convert the conventional sprinklers to drip irrigation, then cover the area with a three-inch layer of mulch and wet it. It would help if you were careful not to bury the new plants in the mulch. The conversion should take a day once all the materials have been secured
- Sheet Mulching's other purpose is to turn barren or unproductive hard soil into new planting areas. They can be done in the open ground or within a raised bed. It will take several growing seasons to complete the whole process, but it will be worth the time and energy:
- A thick layer of cardboard or newspaper is placed on the ground.
- You top it with eight to twenty-four inches of organic material, bark, straw, grass clippings, and household kitchen waste.
- The material is spread evenly in alternating layers.
- It would help if you started small, as you'll need a significant amount of organic material. This technique is often called 'Lasagna Gardening.'
Question:
Snails eat my cucumber plant. Is there a natural way to stop this? I saw some copper strips advertised for snails.Answer:
- Copper strips are used to control snails, but I wouldn't use them in containers or garden areas. They need to be attached and placed in the snails' primary migration path. Instead, Sluggo is recommended for containers and garden areas as it's evenly distributed over an area. In addition, Sluggo is an organic bait that's safe around pets and kids.