Composting sounds complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. The lasagna method (also called sheet composting) is so simple you’ll wonder why you didn’t start years ago.
What is the Lasagna Method?
Instead of building a compost heap and turning it regularly, you layer materials directly where you want to grow. The layers break down over time, creating rich compost in place.
How to Build Your Lasagna Garden
Step 1: Choose Your Spot
Pick any area that gets sun - a bare patch, lawn, or even on top of weeds. The composting process will kill everything underneath.
Step 2: Layer Like Lasagna
Create layers alternating between “browns” (carbon) and “greens” (nitrogen):
Layer 1 (Base): Cardboard or newspaper - wet it thoroughly
Layer 2: Browns - Leaves, straw, or shredded paper (10cm)
Layer 3: Greens - Kitchen scraps, grass clippings, or manure (5cm)
Layer 4: Browns (10cm)
Layer 5: Greens (5cm)
Continue layering until you reach 60-90cm height. Finish with a brown layer to discourage pests.
Step 3: Wait (Or Plant Immediately)
Option A: Let it sit for 6-12 months to fully break down
Option B: Plant immediately into pockets of soil/compost on top
What Goes In (And What Doesn’t)
GOOD:
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds and tea leaves
- Crushed eggshells
- Grass clippings
- Dry leaves and straw
- Shredded paper and cardboard
BAD:
- Meat, fish, or dairy (attracts rats)
- Diseased plants
- Weeds with seeds
- Pet waste
- Glossy or colored paper
Troubleshooting
Too wet/smelly: Add more browns (dry materials)
Too dry/slow: Add more greens or water
Attracting pests: Bury kitchen scraps deeper and add more browns on top
The Benefits
After one season, you’ll have:
- Rich, dark compost full of nutrients
- Improved soil structure and drainage
- Happy worms and beneficial microbes
- Free fertilizer worth hundreds of dollars
Start your lasagna bed this weekend and let nature do the work!