Sheet Composting (Lasagna)
Technique
Sheet composting, often called lasagna gardening, builds organic matter directly on the soil in broad layers. It is used to prepare new beds, smother weeds, and improve soil over time without repeated digging. Home gardeners like it because the composting happens where the bed will grow.
How it works
Layers of carbon-rich and nitrogen-rich materials are stacked on top of the soil and gradually decompose in place. Soil organisms move upward into the layers and help break them down while blending them with the surface below. The layered structure also shades the soil and suppresses many weeds. As the materials settle, the bed becomes more plantable and more uniform.
Details
Start on the soil surface and alternate browns and greens, keeping the overall stack moist as it is built. Use finer materials near the top if you plan to plant sooner, because they break down more quickly. Maintain moisture during dry weather so decomposition continues through the layer stack. Allow time for settling and partial breakdown before seeding directly into the bed, or open small planting pockets where needed.
Tips
Use weed-free materials whenever possible because the layers become part of the bed. Keep woody or coarse materials thin so they do not create dry pockets. Top the bed with a brown layer to reduce odor and improve appearance.
General guidance for US home gardens. For local guidance and any rules on composting, contact your Cooperative Extension office. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.