How to start a no-till garden

To prep your garden space without disturbing the soil, start by mowing any existing vegetation as short as possible. After mowing, the vegetation will still be alive and will begin to grow. You will need to terminate the growth. This can be done using natural materials like mulch with a layer of cardboard underneath, or removable nonorganic materials like plastic sheeting, silage tarps, or landscape weed barrier.

One method would involve covering the area with a layer of cardboard or several layers of heavy newspaper. Cover this layer with a thick layer (4-6″) of compost, aged manure or a mix of other organic materials like grass clippings, leaves or straw. Keep the area watered and allow the materials to decompose. Because it takes several months for the area to be acceptable for planting, this method is best started in the late summer prior to your intended planting date. In the coming years, as the materials begin to decompose, add more compost and mulch.

When using plastic or weed barrier there are two popular approaches:

Occultation – Cover the area with opaque materials to block light and suffocate the plant growth over time. This can also be done with materials such as silage tarps, plastic sheeting, thick layers of cardboard, plywood, or household carpet. Secure the covering tightly to the ground using sandbags, bricks, rocks or pins. Leave the covering in place for several weeks, until the vegetation underneath is sufficiently terminated. Some perennial plants may not be completely killed and will need to be pulled by hand. To aid in reducing future weed pressure, place drip lines on the ground prior to covering or periodically remove the cover and water the area. This will increase weed seed germination and reduce long term weed pressure.

Solarization – Water the area very well and cover with clear plastic. The edges of the plastic must be secured very tightly to the ground as any air allowed under the plastic will allow plants to continue growing. The most effective way to secure the edges is to bury them under a ridge of soil. After a few weeks, since temperatures will reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit or more, most if not all vegetation under the plastic will be terminated along with some weed seeds and other pathogens. Some recent studies have shown that the temperatures during solarization may also be harmful to beneficial microbial life in the soil.

Alternative Prep: Chemical Control

You can also clear the site using a non-selective herbicide. If choosing this route, always follow label directions carefully and allow time for any residual chemicals to break down. Regardless of the method, give the garden space at least three weeks to prepare properly—though the ideal time to begin is in late summer or autumn, ahead of your spring planting schedule. For best results, mow down existing vegetation as low as possible before applying any treatment.

No-till gardening might be slightly more challenging in the first year, but over time, soil structure and health will improve naturally thanks to thriving microbial life and developing root systems.

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