I'm getting ready to turn a grass patch into a vegetable garden in a couple of weeks. I've been spraying it with vinegar weekly, but the grass just keeps coming back. I'm considering a few options:
A) Renting a sod cutter to remove it,
B) Tilling it using a friend's large tiller,
C) Smothering it with black plastic.
Should I go with one of these methods or a combination? The area is about 20 by 10 feet.
3 Answers
I prefer using fire to clear grass! It’s definitely a bold method, though. Just make sure you’re careful if you’ve got any wooden structures nearby—you don’t want to set them on fire!
You could try heat mulching! Lay down two layers of cardboard and cover it with compost or topsoil. This method blocks light, which will kill the grass, and the cardboard actually attracts beneficial critters that help the garden. It works especially well if you’re planning raised beds.
I recently rented a sod cutter, and I found it super easy to use. It efficiently rolled up the sod, and I managed a 12 by 20 foot area quickly—probably could have done it in under half an hour if I hadn’t been picking grubs too! It cost me around $175 where I live. Just a heads up, if you’re looking to save energy for future gardening work, this could be a great option.