The no-dig gardening method suppresses weeds, preserves soil structure, and produces outstanding harvests. Here is how to set one up from scratch.
What You Need
- Cardboard (plain, no glossy coating)
- Compost (at least 4-6 inches)
- Optional: wood chips, straw, or leaf mulch
Step 1: Choose Your Site
Pick a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. You do not need to remove grass or weeds first - the cardboard will smother them.
Step 2: Lay the Cardboard
Wet the ground, then lay overlapping sheets of cardboard directly on top. Overlap edges by at least 6 inches to prevent weeds from sneaking through the gaps. Remove any tape or staples.
Step 3: Add Compost
Pile 4-6 inches of high-quality compost on top of the cardboard. This is where your plants will grow.
Step 4: Plant or Sow
You can plant transplants immediately or direct-sow seeds into the compost. For seeds, add a thin layer of fine compost on top.
Maintenance
Top-dress with 1-2 inches of compost each season. No digging required. The cardboard breaks down over winter, earthworms do the work, and your soil improves year after year.