24/04/2026
This is how I created 10 new beds for this year's planting season.
Step 1. In the autumn 2025, around October I cut the grass low where I wanted to create my new beds. My paths are being left grassed so I measured out 3ftx20ft planting beds.
Step 2. I Layed down cardboard that will completely block out the light and wet the cardboard on first laying it. You can also use non permeable plastic or tarpaulin which will need to be removed when the grass has died.
Step 3. Leave overwinter to kill off the grass underneath, atleast 6 months.
Step 4. By March you should find that the cardboard has started to break down into the soil and most of the grass has died.
Keep a check on how things are going and If you need to re-cover with more cardboard because the grass is slow to die you can do this, which can be left on the bed and covered in compost. If using plastic or tarpaulin this will need to be removed before putting on compost.
Step 5. You need to give a final tug of the stubborn weeds and then you are ready to fill your beds with compost. it doesn’t matter to much what brand, although you will need one that is suitable for young plants and not, for example seed starting. Better still would be to use some or all of your own made compost, which has been possible for me this year on some of my beds. A good layer of compost is needed and if you have any deep rooting plants then make a hole in the cardboard
Step 6, Once the risk of frost has past get planting! You may be able to plant a little earlier if the weather is mild but you will need to cover your plants if there is a risk of frost, unless they are extremely hardy. If you have any deep rooting plants then make a hole in the cardboard before planting.
Do ask if you have any questions in the comments or dm me; You can ask me anything.
Lana x
Hope you have found this helpfull as I did when I first started, like and follow me for more like this.
Lana x
