DIY Network

No-Till Garden Try this earth-friendly, plant-friendly plot. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-162

Enjoy the bounty without the backache thanks to a no-till garden.

If you'd like a lower-maintenance garden, this project from Michele Beschen is for you: less weeding, less watering and no tilling whatsoever. It's even great for the environment, because it uses natural compost and doesn't promote soil erosion.

The B. Original host shows how to set up your own no-till garden plot and get started on a garden that will save your back and help save the planet. Scroll down to get started.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

No-Till Garden

The overall design of the no-till garden is a low-lying compost bin, with a planting area of rich soil in the middle. Here's how to put it together:

• Pick your spot. Since the quality of the underlying soil doesn't matter, focus on sunlight, drainage and convenience when picking your no-till plot.

• Put down an organic week barrier; Michele Beschen used newspapers. Separate out the newsprint sections from a newspaper; the glossy color insert don't work as well for this purpose. Soak the newsprint sheets with water and spread them out. Place about six sheets down as a weed barrier, overlapping the sheets by 2-3 inches. Water the newspaper layer again before adding the next layer
  (figure A).

• Now, you're ready to layer your composting materials. Make each layer about 2 inches thick, and remember to water every layer.

• Spread a layer of compost manure over the newspaper layer (figure B). This will attract earthworms, which will speed the composting process along. Water the manure.

• Add a 2-inch layer of mulch or untreated chipped wood. Water the layer.

• Add and water a layer of fresh grass clippings.

• Add and water a layer of straw, shredded paper or a combination of the two.

• Add a final layer of fresh grass clippings and water the layer.

• To plant, dig down to the compost layer and fill the hole with rich soil (figure C). Add plants and water as needed.

Congratulations: You've created a perfect garden bed for herbs, vegetables or flowers that will stay season after season.