Tried that no-dig method for my veggie beds this spring

I layered cardboard and compost right on top of grass instead of tilling. After 3 months the cardboard broke down but some grass still pushed through between the layers. I learned you need at least 6 inches of compost on top or the weeds will find a way. Has anyone had success with this or did I just not pile it deep enough?

3 comments

3 Comments

michaelchen13d ago

Tilling just brings more weed seeds to the surface and destroys soil structure. The grass that pushed through is a sign you didn't go thick enough, not that the method failed. Six inches is the minimum, I've seen people do eight and have zero issues. A tiller tears up earthworm tunnels and fungal networks, so renting one upfront actually sets you back months of soil health.

jordang3213d ago

Rent a tiller and you're basically hitting reset on years of soil work. Skip the upfront shortcuts, they always come back to bite you.

terryh2013d ago

Yeah, six inches sounds about right from what I've seen. I'd also say the grass that's already established is just that stubborn. It reminds me of that whole idea of shortcuts in life though, like when people skip steps to save time and then have to go back and fix stuff later. You end up doing the work twice anyway. That's why I just go ahead and rent a tiller for the first go, then do the no-dig maintenance after that. Biting the bullet upfront saves headaches down the road with most things.