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Seeds for Change Wellness
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No-Till Garden
No Till Garden
Try this earth-friendly, plant-friendly plot. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-162
Enjoy the bounty without the backache thanks to a no-till garden.
If you'd like a lower-maintenance garden, this project from Michele Beschen is for you: less weeding, less
watering and no tilling whatsoever. It's even great for the environment, because it uses natural compost and
doesn't promote soil erosion.
The B. Original host shows how to set up your own no-till garden plot and get started on a garden that will save
your back and help save the planet.
Step for the No-Till Garden
The overall design of the no-till garden is a low-lying compost bin, with
a planting area of rich soil in the middle. Here's how to put it together:
Pick your spot. Since the quality of the underlying soil doesn't matter,
focus on sunlight, drainage and convenience when picking your no-till
plot.
Put down an organic week barrier; Michele Beschen used
newspapers. Separate out the newsprint sections from a newspaper;
the glossy color insert don't work as well for this purpose. Soak the
newsprint sheets with water and spread them out. Place about six
sheets down as a weed barrier, overlapping the sheets by 2-3
inches. Water the newspaper layer again before adding the next
layer (figure A).
Now, you're ready to layer your composting materials. Make each
layer about 2 inches thick, and remember to water every layer.
Spread a layer of compost manure over the newspaper layer
(figure B). This will attract earthworms, which will speed the
composting process along. Water the manure.
Add a 2-inch layer of mulch or untreated chipped wood. Water
the layer.
Add and water a layer of fresh grass clippings.
Add and water a layer of straw, shredded paper or a combination of
the two.
Add a final layer of fresh grass clippings and water the layer.
To plant, dig down to the compost layer and fill the hole with rich soil
(figure C). Add plants and water as needed.
Congratulations: You've created a perfect garden bed for herbs,
vegetables or flowers that will stay season after season.
Try this earth-friendly, plant-friendly plot. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-162
Enjoy the bounty without the backache thanks to a no-till garden.
If you'd like a lower-maintenance garden, this project from Michele Beschen is for you: less weeding, less
watering and no tilling whatsoever. It's even great for the environment, because it uses natural compost and
doesn't promote soil erosion.
The B. Original host shows how to set up your own no-till garden plot and get started on a garden that will save
your back and help save the planet.
Step for the No-Till Garden
The overall design of the no-till garden is a low-lying compost bin, with
a planting area of rich soil in the middle. Here's how to put it together:
Pick your spot. Since the quality of the underlying soil doesn't matter,
focus on sunlight, drainage and convenience when picking your no-till
plot.
Put down an organic week barrier; Michele Beschen used
newspapers. Separate out the newsprint sections from a newspaper;
the glossy color insert don't work as well for this purpose. Soak the
newsprint sheets with water and spread them out. Place about six
sheets down as a weed barrier, overlapping the sheets by 2-3
inches. Water the newspaper layer again before adding the next
layer (figure A).
Now, you're ready to layer your composting materials. Make each
layer about 2 inches thick, and remember to water every layer.
Spread a layer of compost manure over the newspaper layer
(figure B). This will attract earthworms, which will speed the
composting process along. Water the manure.
Add a 2-inch layer of mulch or untreated chipped wood. Water
the layer.
Add and water a layer of fresh grass clippings.
Add and water a layer of straw, shredded paper or a combination of
the two.
Add a final layer of fresh grass clippings and water the layer.
To plant, dig down to the compost layer and fill the hole with rich soil
(figure C). Add plants and water as needed.
Congratulations: You've created a perfect garden bed for herbs,
vegetables or flowers that will stay season after season.
Figure A
Figure B
Figure C