No-Dig Garden Part 1

No-dig gardens are simply a layered compost pile used to grow plants.  It is pretty simple to build and there are a few really good videos online to help you.  Mahalo to my brother, Maka, for helping me with this project.  The layering process consist of nitrogen, carbon, and mineral components.  I will explain more about the layering in part 2.  In this part I will be talking about collecting resources, framing the garden and covering the ground.  It is important before starting to get all of your supplies together.  From this experience I learned that not having a layer available can get really annoying.  So basically have enough nitrogen (grass clippings, hay, urine treated leaves or compost), carbon (dried leaves, straw), minerals (compost, top soil, crushed river rock, chicken manure) and organic matter (vegetable food scraps, earthworms).  You will also need all of your cardboard (soaked in water) and yard tools ready.  First lay out the frame for the garden by using rocks or wood or anything to show you a line to follow.  Next break up the ground up the ground within the framed area using a pick, shovel or digging pitchfork.  After the ground is broken, use the wet cardboard to cover the area of the garden.  Be sure to cover the entire area and if possible add two layers.  This will help prevent weeds from growing through the cardboard and into the garden. After this you are ready for part two.