Mystery vine
“I didn’t know you could grow lasagna,” my mother-in-law quipped as I showed her my latest experiment. She seemed as intrigued as I was when I first heard about this soil preparation technique. It’s a composting method that eliminates the need to hoe or till. I’m going to give this a whirl! As I’m short on time and hoeing is not one of my favorites I really want to believe it’s going to work.
Here’s the drill; designate a little patch of earth and begin covering it with compostable items. Cardboard, cotton fabric and wool do nicely. Tea bags and grocery sacks can be added as well. In between these layers, add some leaf and kitchen scrap compost. Eventually, the worms will make work of the layers while the unwanted vegetation below dies from lack of sun and becomes compost itself.
Entry – May 3, 2013
I’ve just begun with some old blue jeans and t-shirts I found in the attic that are beyond usefulness—as a wardrobe selection at least! They’ll have another life as worm food and plant feeders! I love it!
It’s early in May, and I might just get some fall vegetables from this method.
The layering kills the weeds and grass and whatever is growing underneath. Meanwhile, our lovely earthworms make work of the blue jeans, t-shirts, cardboard and leaf scraps and eventually turn it all into dirt.
Entry – May 13, 2013
The garden area I’ve chosen is a spot that did not do well last season. I moved most of my gardening efforts to the side and front yard where there is more sun. But a few things seemed to like the accommodations in the half-day sunspot.
If this process can beef up my soil the area will do well for peas, squash, cucumbers and green beans. Several varieties of herbs have flourished in the back forty as well. Dill, parsley, coriander, and chives have all thrived here with little to no effort on my part.
Entry – June 21, 2013
Keeping the weeds in check has worked wonders so far. I’m at about 5 layers of debris with leaf and food compost in between each. And right smack dab in the middle of the lasagna garden has sprouted something from my kitchen compost. It looks to be a melon or squash of some kind. It seems a serendipitous and happy event, and I plan to let this vine do what it will.
Entry – July 7, 2013
I’ve inquired but have gotten no confirmation on what the mystery sprout could be. However, I spy something that might be a cucumber, zucchini, squash, watermelon or cantaloupe. Perhaps it’s a hybrid of sorts. I will have to be patient and let time reveal what we have fattening on the vine.
As this specimen seems to be thriving, I’ve planted a pea sprout and several okra plants in the layer of compost I’ve added. Can’t hurt, right?
Entry – August 9, 2013
The weeds have been kept in check, and, lo and behold, my mystery fruit turned out to be a cantaloupe. Up from the compost of its own volition, it is a fat and lovely piece of fruit. Of course, the test of the melon is in the tasting!
Entry – August 11, 2013
I think there’s been a little mix-up. Turns out this thing must be a cantaloupe/cucumber cross. I think this bad boy is headed for a pickle experiment! More later, folks!
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