Sheet Mulching is the best way to restore vitality and to build health in the soil. While putting to sleep traditional lawn landscapes, this permaculture tactic provides a kickstart to the "Soil Food Web" in which annual and perennial plants can thrive. The foodweb helps conserve water, saves money, saves time and reconnects us to the living earth.
Paul Herzog and Robert Barnett use the burrito method along the edges of Paul's backyard
To begin, layer soil amendments, compost, mulch, straw, yard clippings and cardboard (see diagram above) on top of the exisiting sod and existing soil and water with compost tea. The life and the nutrients in these layers decompose into rich soil. The richness leeches down into the lower layers and soon the land is rejuvenated. The grass and the weeds are smothered by the layers above and become food for microbes and arthropods. Think of sheet mulching as a large horizontal compost bin. There are many methods of sheet mulching, but the aims are basically the same-soil restoration and water conservation.
One way to keep unwanted plants from growing out along the edges, iis to use the "burrito method" which creates a double layer of material to suppress the weeds. Paul Herzog and Robert Barnett are sheet mulch superheros using the burrito method in Paul's backyard. See picture above.
Any time of year is good to sheet mulch, but the best time is in during the rainy season. The rain soaks through the layers and stays in the yard. Sheet mulching acts like a sponge, keeping the hydration where it's needed.
Soil restoration is a radical action in our current system of consumer based chemically driven quick fix answers. Let's get to a deeper solution. The word radical is derived from the latin word "radicis" meaning root or going to the origin or essential. We can help you get down to the roots. The radical roots. The essential basics of healthy living begin in the soil.
Relevant links:
Surfrider Ocean Friendly Gardens
Urban Soil Summit
Soil Food Web
