How to Build a Lasagna Garden Bed

If you want to build metal raised garden beds that’s low-maintenance, nutrient-rich, and environmentally friendly, a lasagna garden bed is a fantastic option. And no, we don’t think about growing tomatoes and using them to make the actual Italian culinary staple. The lasagna, in this case, refers to the method of layering organic materials to create a fertile, well-drained, and weed-suppressed garden bed. It’s an easy and effective way to get started with creating your green nook.

Let’s dive into how to build a lasagna garden bed in a metal raised bed.

What is a Lasagna Garden Bed?

First things first, what exactly is a lasagna garden bed? It’s a no-dig method that involves layering different organic materials like compost, leaves, straw, and cardboard to create a nutrient-rich bed for your plants. These layers break down over time and turn into rich, loamy soil that plants adore. And this filling method is similar to build a hugelkultur raised bed.

Why Use a Lasagna Raised Garden Bed

Here are some great benefits of lasagna gardening:

• Improved drainage
• Temperature control
• Weed control
• Easier on your back

What You Need to Build a Lasagna Garden Bed

Before you start, you need to gather the materials for the lasagna garden bed. Think of it like gathering the ingredients for a recipe. Here’s what you need:

• Brown Materials (Carbon-Rich)
• Cardboard or newspaper (to suppress weeds)
• Dried leaves
• Straw
• Shredded paper
• Wood chips or sawdust
• Green Materials (Nitrogen-Rich)
• Grass clippings
• Vegetable scraps (from the kitchen)
• Coffee grounds
• Green garden waste (such as fresh leaves, prunings, or cuttings)
• Other Supplies
• Compost - this will help kickstart the decomposition process and provide essential nutrients.
• Soil – you will want a top layer of good garden soil for planting.
• Water - to help the materials break down faster.
• Metal Raised Bed Kit - you can find metal raised bed kits at most garden centers or online. Choose one that’s large enough to fit the space you have in mind.

Step to Build Your Lasagna Garden Bed

Now that we’ve got everything ready, let’s start building the lasagna garden bed! The process is simple. However, the layer order is super important to ensure everything breaks down properly.

Step 1 - Choose the Right Location

The first step is to find the right spot to place the raised garden bed. You can set it up almost anywhere. Just be sure the location gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily which most vegetables and flowers need to thrive.

Step 2 - Set Up Your Metal Raised Bed

Once you’ve picked the spot, it’s time to assemble your garden bed. Most raised bed kits come with easy-to-follow instructions. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to put it together. If you want to place the bed on grass or soil, you can lay it directly on the ground.

Step 3 - Lay Down Your Weed Barrier

Our first layer is a weed barrier. This is where we’ll use cardboard or newspaper. These materials will block any weeds or grass from growing into our garden bed. Also, it will ensure proper breaking down over time and add to the organic matter in the soil. Lay down several layers of cardboard or thick newspaper, overlapping the edges. Soak them with water to accelerate the breakdown process.

Step 4 - Add a Layer of Brown Materials

Next, we’ll start with a brown layer. This is carbon-rich material like dried leaves, straw, or shredded paper and should be about 2-3 inches thick. Brown materials help create structure and air pockets in the bed which are essential for good drainage and decomposition. Spread the brown material evenly over the cardboard or newspaper and top it off with some water to moisten it.

Step 5 - Add a Layer of Green Materials

Now it’s time for our first green layer. It will provide nitrogen to help feed the decomposition process. Green materials can include things like grass clippings, vegetable scraps, or coffee grounds. Aim for a layer that’s about 2-3 inches thick. Again, spread the green materials evenly, and water them down lightly. The combination of moisture and nitrogen-rich material will help the decomposition process.

Step 6 - Continue With Brown and Green Materials

From here, continue alternating between brown and green layers - just like you’d alternate layers of pasta and sauce in a lasagna. Keep it up the bed until you’ve filled two-thirds of the bed. Each brown layer should be about 2-3 inches thick.

Step 7 - Add a Compost Layer

Once you’ve built up several layers of brown and green materials, top everything off with a generous layer of compost. This will help kickstart the decomposition process and provide a nutrient-rich environment for your lasagna garden bed. Spread the compost evenly across the top, about 2-3 inches deep.

Step 8 - Top with Soil

The final layer of our lasagna bed is a layer of garden soil. You want good-quality soil that’s rich in nutrients and has a good texture. Fill the raised bed to the top with soil and even the surface.

Step 9 - Water the Bed

After adding each layer, lightly water to keep the bed moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent poor drainage. And once your lasagna garden bed is fully built, it’s time to give it some water. This will help the layers settle and start the decomposition process. Be generous with it, especially if you want to plant right away. Remember - moisture is key.

What to Plant in Your Lasagna Garden Bed

Now you can start thinking about what to plant! Here are some excellent options for you:

• Vegetables - tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and beans.
• Flowers - marigolds, zinnias, and sunflowers.
• Herbs - basil, parsley, and mint.

Building a lasagna garden bed can be a fun and rewarding project. Layer organic materials, create a healthy plant environment, and enjoy your thriving little green oasis. It’s a great way to recycle materials and reduce waste in the garden.

Conclusion

You can be a seasoned gardener or just starting out. This method will give you an amazing garden bed full of nutrients and moisture, ready for whatever you want to grow. Need some more nifty gardening tips? Check out the rest of our blogs!

FAQ

Lasagna Garden Bed Vs. Hugelkultur Garden bed

The key difference between building lasagna garden beds and hugelkultur garden beds is that hugelkultur beds primarily use wood as the base layer, while lasagna gardening involves alternating layers of cardboard and various organic materials. Hugelkultur is a raised bed constructed with wood as the core component, whereas a lasagna garden bed mainly consists of layers of compostable materials aimed at improving soil quality.

In other words, lasagna garden beds are highly effective at improving soil structure and increasing organic matter content, while hugelkultur garden beds retain more water, reducing the need for frequent irrigation. Additionally, hugelkultur beds utilize the natural process of wood decomposition to enhance soil fertility over time.