Sheet composting (lasagna gardening) for soil renewal

Sheet composting, also called lasagna gardening, is a technique for renewing depleted raised bed soil by layering organic materials directly in the bed during the off-season. Instead of removing old soil and replacing it, you build fertility on top. In late fall after clearing the final harvest: lay a thin layer of cardboard or newspaper (suppresses weeds, attracts worms), add 2-3 inches of nitrogen-rich 'green' material (kitchen scraps, fresh grass clippings, coffee grounds, manure), then 3-4 inches of carbon-rich 'brown' material (shredded leaves, straw, shredded newspaper), and repeat layers until the bed is mounded 6-8 inches above the rim. Water each layer as you build. Over winter, the layers decompose and compress into 2-3 inches of rich, dark humus by spring planting time. This method is essentially composting in place, eliminating the need for a separate compost bin. It is ideal for beds that have sunk significantly or need a major nutrient boost. For spring planting, you can plant directly into the decomposed layer or add 2-3 inches of finished compost on top if the layers have not fully broken down. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oils to the layers as these attract pests.