These two methods use layers of compost ingredients spread out directly on the garden. The layers are things like leaves, grass clippings, newspapers, cardboard, etc. that are layered brown/green/brown/green, etc.
Eventually the layers will break down into rich compost and soil. In the meantime they keep down weeds and bad organisms while encouraging good organisms that will help the soil and plants.
The main difference in the two methods seems to be that the Interbay Mulch method adds a top layer of burlap to keep in moisture and keep birds from eating worms. You just cut into the burlap where you want to plant something.
As with any mulch, keep it away from the plant stems. So when you want to plant something, dig a little hole for the plant, but keep the mulch back a few inches from the above ground parts of the plant. Add loose soil next to the stems.
Both methods work well, but the Interbay mulch method works faster in making good rich soil. So it seems to be the winner. One thing I’d copy from the lasagna method is to put down a layer of cardboard as the first layer. It keeps the toughest of the weeds away. If you don’t have enough cardboard boxes around you can ask for some at a furniture store or other store.
If you have an area of shrubs where you are not going to grow vegetables, you can keep down the weeds with the cardboard too. Add a layer of newspaper on top of the cardboard, the add some shredded bark to cover it all. Put a top layer on of bigger pieces of bark to hold it all down.
Click here to link toGarden Web for more about how to use the Interbay mulch method.
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