Lasagna gardening is an organic gardening technique that is really a form of raised bed gardening. Originally made popular by Pat Lanza in her books on lasagna gardening, it can be used regardless of the condition of the soil in your area.

The basic approach is to create a bed by adding multiple layers of organic matter one over another, in a fashion similar to the used to make a pan of lasagna, which accounts for the name of the techique.

There are several good reasons to try lasagna gardening:

Reduced water needs - Raised beds can have the drainage tailored to needs, and the constant mulching helps retain water, as does the close spacing of the plants.

Fewer weeds - The mulch helps keep them down, and the closer spacing of the plants shields them from the sun, keeping them down as well.

Increased productivity - This is basically a type of intensive gardening, so the yield per square foot will be well above an average garden. Most raised beds are more productive because there is no space wasted for footpaths, and the garden doesn't get trampled so the soil is looser and the aeration of the soil is much better as well.

Reduced fertilizer needs - With the constant addition of organic matter, the soil just doesn't need as much fertilizer.

No tilling or spading - This is a no till technique, with the soil being constantly rejuvenated by the addition of layers of organic material.

The basic steps to making a lasagna garden are simple, and flexible, as there is no one "right" way to do it.

First, identify a spot for the garden. The condition of the soil is not important, as you will see. Mark the area, and outiine it with string if necessary.

Next - DON'T till the sod. Simple cover the soil and grass with a layer of newspapers, making sure they overlop to keep the previous plants covered. A layer of five or so pages thick should do. Avoid the slick magazines,

Cover the newspapers with a layer of peat moss or some similar organic material.

Add a layer of organic material or compost, you can even add grass clippings (if they haven't been treated with an herbicide or weed killer) but it's good to add some dry material along with that to keep it from creating a slimy mess.

Alternate layers of peat and organic material until it gets to the desired thickness.

Water it until it's like a damp sponge.

After that you can start your plants, and you are lasagna gardening!