Hi @mikel @edie @cliff and all…
I stopped by the community center briefly on Tuesday.
Here’s my assessment of the current state of this garden.
- The sheet mulch is working to suppress the weed growth.
- The cold composting is unfinished and drying out.
- Under the cardboard we have 2-3 inches of soil laced with quack grass roots.
- New grass growth is emerging at the edges.
Here’s the minimum prep that is needed.
- Roll back the cardboard/sheet mulch about a foot from the log border.
- Try not to tear the cardboard, so this covering may be replaced fairly intact.
- Removal of the remaining quack grass roots about a foot in from each log edge.Try to clear all roots close to the log.
- Cover the section you have cleared of weeds with a new piece of cardboard tucked up to the log.
- Replace the cardboard/ sheet mulch.
See how to clear weeds video at this link.
Here’s another short video just about the quack grass removal.
By adopting this plan, we will in effect be clearing 1/3 of the area of the remaining invasive grass roots (a foot in from each log edge).
I’m guessing that our fall prep had already removed the top 2-3″ of these roots, as they generally go down to a 4-6″ depth.
Keeping the sheet mulch in place is important for suppressing quack grass growth within the other 2/3 of the area.
Our plan to bring in 2 1/2 yards of planting soil will add about 6″ of height to this bed.
If we soak the sheet mulch before covering the bed with the purchased soil, worms living underneath the cardboard should be able to complete the composting.
The added soil on top of the sheet mulch should continue to suppress this invader, along with regular weeding after planting.
What do you think about this approach?
