Hey fellow gardening enthusiasts! I'm looking to kick off a cottage garden project with paths over the next couple of years. I want to make sure I'm doing everything right this Fall before winter hits. Should I be laying down cardboard or a tarp now to prep for Spring? Currently, my yard is mostly grass with a few fruit trees and a greenhouse that I want the paths to wind around. We're also hoping to dig a pond for our ducks and plant perennials along the paths. Just a heads up, our budget is pretty tight, so this is definitely a long-term project. Oh, and I'm in zone 3b/4a, where winters can be really harsh and windy. I do have free access to sand, seaweed, and beach rocks, if that gives me any edge!
1 Answer
Hey! I’d recommend cutting the grass where you want your paths to go, then set that grass aside. Fill in the bare spots with some quality compost before putting the grass back upside down. Add a little more compost on top; this helps everything break down nicely. Make sure you soak that area with water before laying down cardboard to keep the moisture locked in—it’ll help the microbes do their thing! This method turns your grass into a great part of the ecosystem, plus it's a smart way to use materials you might otherwise throw away. Good luck with your project!
Thanks for the tips! Do you think using a push tiller would mess things up, or could it actually help with composting?