greenbrain: I would only put beds over tree roots if you plan to kill the trees. Silver Maples have notoriously greedy roots. All trees need the space over the roots free. I think in this case, its lasagna or tree roots, but not both.
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/738654/
this is one of many excellent threads on lasagna beds. there is a photo of a finished bed.
Not sure how one would photograph the cross section which is where the action is taking place.
This message was edited Sep 1, 2007 9:57 AM
Lasagna gardening
Thanks gloria. My younger dd thinks the roots are interesting to look at & frowned on my idea, so she really liked your answer. These trees were here when we moved in 19 years ago, so my dd grew up with them. I'd rather have mature trees of 30' or less.
2nd thought, the maples provide me with tons of leaves for my lasagna beds. Ok, I'm leaving the roots alone.
Back to the sawdust - I mentioned this on another thread, so if this is a replay for you, fast forward!
Wood requires nitrogen in order to break down - so sawdust, wood chips, etc. needs to be composted prior to using in soil that is actually growing something. It does make your soil nice and fluffy once it has broken down, so it's a great additive, once it has begun to break down. But directly into a bed, it will steal all of your plant's nitrogen - fine if you are growing cactus!
As was said, it can clump, too - so you really want to mix it well. It also makes a good mulch, which would be my first choice.
Thanks Pagancat,
That helps a lot.
Oh, good!
P.S. you might not want to use any wood product that was involved with "pressure treatment" in food (vegetable) beds - pretty nasty stuff.
Thanks again Pagancat, that is helpful.
I have started a lasanga bed but need to check myself with you. I put down newspapers and cardboard, then grass cuttings and then leaves. Is that ok, and what should I do next. I'll never have enough fruit and veg. to make a layer.
Also, how thick should each layer be, especially the paper.
LorraineR: Make sure you water well before you put down the cardboard. You may want to put coffee grounds, and/or blood meal under the cardboard to get things going. Then browns and greens as you have them. Keep it watered. Not too soggy. I keep one end to bury kitchen waste under straw and rabbit poop. It takes a little longer.
When we talk about cardboard to start the Lasagna Bed are we talking brown boxes or are we talking empty Budweiser boxes that seems to grow by leaps and bounds based on the temperature outside and whether it's band practice night? What about the dyes?
cardboard - like you get from Amazon. Brown cardboard, corrugated with spaces between. Water first. Then cardboard, or newspaper. No glossy print.
Carryout pizza boxes work good too. Another reason to order pizza. : )
Thanks folks, for keeping me on the right track. Guess I need to do some homework!
Pamspace: Band practice? I just watched Mr. Holland's Opus last night. Made me homesick for my trumpet when I was in a marching band back home in Michigan.
gloria125,
My DH has two bands, a classic rock & R+B band and a country band. Not exactly OPUS quality, but it's easier to dance to. We call him "PopPop the Rock Star"!
In the movie, Mr. Holland, a high school music teacher, uses rock and roll to reach the students -- especially when his own son is born deaf.