Saving a substantial amount on compost with this straightforward method - though it's labor-intensive, the output justifies the effort
For those looking to transform their garden, the stacking turf method offers a sustainable and cost-effective approach to creating a new border. This old gardening trick, as practiced by our author, involves stacking the turf lifted from digging out the border in a way that encourages it to breakdown, leaving nutrient-rich compost for the new border.
The author, who recently moved into a new home with a bare lawn, decided to create a new garden border and took on this project as an opportunity for garden transformation.
Key Steps in the Stacking Turf Process
- Mark out the border: The author marked out the placement and shape of the cottage garden border before digging.
- Dig out the border area: Remove the turf carefully from the desired border space.
- Cut the turf: To speed up the decomposition process, the author cut the turf into squares.
- Stack the turf: Arrange the lifted turf in a pile that promotes decomposition. The author stacked the squares of turf, alternating grass-side-down and grass-side-up, in piles.
- Allow time for breakdown: The turf pile breaks down over weeks or months, enriching the soil.
- Use the resulting compost: Once decomposed, spread the nutrient-rich compost back into the border area to create fertile planting soil.
This method is beneficial because it recycles the turf you remove, reducing waste and the need to buy compost while building healthy soil for your plants. It is time-consuming and requires patience but can yield impressive results within several months, as the original turf transforms into rich growing material.
Maintaining the Stacking Turf Pile
To ensure successful composting, the author took several measures. They ensured there was airflow in the pile and occasionally turned it to maintain active decomposition. They also used methods to speed up composting, such as covering the pile with a tarp, maintaining moisture, and placing it in a sunny spot.
However, it is important to note that not maintaining the pile can attract pests, so methods to keep rats away from the yard should be considered. Occasional weeds regrow through the composted turf, so measures to get rid of weeds are necessary.
Improving the Composted Turf
To further improve the nutrients available for plants and contribute to improved water retention, the author covered the composted turf with topsoil. Grass is rich in nitrogen, an essential plant nutrient, so the composted turf already contains a good amount of this nutrient. However, a soil test kit can help determine the nutrient levels in the compost and garden soil, aiding in deciding what to add to it.
In conclusion, the stacking turf method offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to creating a new garden border. With patience and the right care, this method can yield impressive results and contribute to a thriving garden.
The author, inspired by the stacking turf method, decided to adapt this approach for other home-improvement projects, applying it to the home-and-garden section of their lifestyle. As they continued to improve their home, they planned to use composted turf from the garden border as a nutrient-rich amendment for their flower beds and vegetable patch, enhancing the overall lifestyle and productivity of their home and garden.
To maximize the benefits of the composted turf, the author also planned to research various compost accelerators and additives, aimed at boosting the nutrient content and water retention properties of the composted turf in their home-improvement and gardening endeavors. This would help to create a thriving ecosystem within their home-and-garden landscape, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
