Lasagna Gardening for Small Spaces: A Layering System for Big Results in Small Gardens and Containers : Garden in Inches, Not Acres

by Patricia Lanza

Explains how to use a systems of layered mulch materials to provide a nutrient-rich base for healthy gardens and robust flowers, herbs, vegetables, and fruits in small spaces and containers.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, How To

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Emily]

I really enjoyed this book--read it mostly cover to cover in just two days. Fun, easy to read, and informative. I'm trying to get my garden started in the small backyard of our townhouse and after reading this the number of veggies and herbs I want to plant has tripled! Lots of great ideas for small spaces, even if you don't plan on following the lasagna gardening method. (With lasagna gardening, you don't till the soil, just layer different organic materials on a layer of wet newspapers and plant your garden. Seems easy enough if you can get access to the materials.) Lists of space-efficient plants, how to make your own trellises, and how to grow almost anything in a pot. The author plants baby carrots and radishes in a windowbox and even has corn in her small courtyard. Also touches on how to handle pests. Great book!

[Dave Beeman]

Excellent book for those looking to garden both flowers and vegetables in small compact spaces. Includes a wealth of information on types of plants, how to establish and maintain garden spaces, use of pots and other planting devices, and where to go to get things. Better than the old Square Foot Gardening book.

[Kelly]

The Lasagna gardening method is intriguing, but I can't realistically see this as being an easier or less time-consuming gardening method. Another issue is that not many people receive an actual paper newspaper anymore, so finding enough newspaper to do the Lasagna Method may be challenging.

[Bethany Joy]

Enjoyable and practical even she does tend to have one solution to all gardening problems - layers!

[Heidi]

Best way to garden and nicely organized to instruct. This is a reference book for gardeners.

[Diane]

A surprisingly up-to-date book that teaches the no-till method of gardening using nutrient-rich layers to maximize your garden space.

(The latest soil research indicates the beneficial nutrients and microbes are contained in the upper few inches of soil. Tilling, double digging and even mixing in compost and other soil additives is of little use and possible harm as they churn up weed seeds, leave 'poor' soil exposed, and diminish the gardener's enthusiasm.)

The theory is that in a nutrient rich soil bed the earthworms will rise up in a fevered army and churn through the layers mixing them thoroughly as they add their own compost.

Seems to working in my own garden. If you follow the directions in the book - checking to make sure you have not created a compost pile that will burn your seedlings - you can create lush vegetable and flower gardens in very limited space with a limited effort.

The book contains chapters on vertical gardening, how-to gardening for city dwellers with problem spaces, and a nice section on vegetables and their growths habits and nutrient needs.

[CraftyBirdies]

So I don't know much about gardening at all, and a friend loaned this book to me. It's extremely practical and fantastic for those starting at zero. It also covers a way to garden that is EASY and low-maintenance. Right up my alley! It's easy to understand and wonderful to use as a practical guide. I was sad I had to give it back...but the information it gave me is super helpful to start my garden!

This book is best read when getting ready to START a garden space/bed - not after you already have one. It's possible to still find valuable information if you already have one, it's just most helpful for those starting a space. And don't worry that it's lasagna gardening for small spaces. You can take the principles and apply it to bigger spaces. The original book isn't for small spaces but in general, but I didn't like it as much - it didn't see as practical or easy to read. But this, since it is their second book, was a huge hit with me for small or bigger space.

[Hope]

Loved this idea. Already use 12 layers+ of newspaper or really thick cardboard (bicycle boxes are excellent) to kill off lawn before making them into bigger garden borders. But used this idea taking sod from neighbor's driveway expansion or trimming around edges of things to layer UP and make more contours on otherwise flat or gently sloping lawn to make things more interesting. Also within raised beds to make the footing upon which I then built good growing soil for vegetables. Or with lots of pellets to make the raised bed acidic enough for the blueberry bushes there... Still using this idea/technique all over my garden. Up is good when you have thin soil with a glacial terminal moraine's worth of rocks underneath that potatoes can't grow in. Or to make berms to catch water from gutters or runoff.

[Jenny]

I really wanted the info for layering in containers, but the book really didn't have this info. Having read her original lasagna gardening book, this one was a disappointment, but would probably be good for someone's first book. Her original book was for really large spaces, so for most of us this would be the better choice. She has a good amount of info on what you can combine in containers & how to use the herbs and vegetables you might grow. I'll definitely use the book.

[Elizabeth]

I've only read this one in snatches (when my container gardening roomie isn't), but a great guide to small space, indoor and container gardening - great illustrations, accessible facts and helpful advice on how to grow what well where.

[Marty]

Great read. Interesting and informative gook on organic gardening.

[Amanda]

Came highly recommended.

[Nancy Wilson]

Very interesting approach to gardening (though what do I know about it)
Would like to take a better look at it early next spring.

[Sherry]

Liked this book another nice compliment to my gardening library, really liked the planning guides and lists of types of plants, looking forward to using the ideas for this gardening season coming up.

[Autumn]

I love gardening books and this one reads so well and has great ideas--in theory. As always, in practice it is not usually easy for me.
I wish the book could prepare the garden for me!

[Deb]

Great book for giving ideas for small gardens--ideas for flower boxes, pots, garden boxes. I will need to buy this book.

[Snickerdoodle]

Good information. Written well. Made me feel like even I could do it. Anything to improve my gardening experience is a good thing.

[Beth]

A lot of good advice, especially the composting section. I have started composting and plan to try some of her ideas this Spring.

[Carole]

Basically, a method of composting directly into the garden. I was looking for something on companion planting. I will need to keep looking.

[Barbara]

More great ideas and nspiration from Patricia Lanza, the mother of Lasagna Gardening.