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Remove Turf Grass

Grow More, Mow Less

You can save yourself time, toil, and money by installing a garden bed where there's currently lawn. Plus you'll be restoring vital ecosystems and potentially providing you and your family with food, medicine, or other useful resources!

The first thing you'll want to do is remove the turf grass that's currently growing there. This makes it easier for the new plants to take root and also helps make sure the unwanted plants don't grow up into your garden bed. They can complete with your plants for resources and even crown them out if left unchecked. There are a few strategies you can consider to accomplish this:

Cover it up (Sheet Mulching)

Horticultural Vinegar

Cover it up (Sheet Mulching)

Pros:

Minimizes weeds
Improves soil structure
No gas emissions
No hauling of green waste.

Cons:

Requires advance planning
Can be time-consuming

Instructions:

Clear the Area: Remove weeds and debris.
Lay Cardboard: Overlap sheets to cover the ground.
Water Generously: Soak the cardboard for faster breakdown.
Add Mulch: Spread a layer of compost and/or organic mulch on top.
Wait: Leave for 2–4 weeks, then plant.

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Dig it out

Pros:

Immediate removal of grass and roots
No chemicals required
Great for small to medium areas

Cons:

Labor-intensive
May disturb soil structure
Not ideal for large areas

Instructions:

Mark the Area: Outline your garden bed.
Loosen Soil: Use a spade or sod cutter along the edges.
Remove Sod: Dig under the turf to lift it up, ensuring most roots are removed.
Dispose: Compost or bag the removed grass.

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Plow it under

Pros:

Less labor compared to digging
Incorporates organic matter back into the soil
Suitable for larger areas

Cons:

Requires heavy, specialized equipment like a rototiller or plow
Grass and dormant seeds may regrow if not managed properly
Requires a rototiller or plow
Can disturb soil layers and existing ecosystem significantly

Instructions:

Mow First: Cut the grass short to reduce biomass.
Till Deep: Use a rototiller to turn the sod under at least 6 inches deep.
Monitor Regrowth: Be prepared to spot-treat any re-emerging grass.

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Solarization

Pros:

Chemical-free and eco-friendly
Kills grass, weeds, and some soil-borne pests
Minimal physical labor

Cons:

Time-consuming (4-6 weeks)
Requires strong sunlight and warm temperatures
May also kill beneficial soil organisms

Instructions:

Mow the Area: Shorten the grass to maximize sun exposure.
Water Deeply: Moist soil conducts heat better.
Cover with Plastic: Secure a clear plastic tarp over the area, sealing the edges.
Wait: Leave in place for 4–6 weeks, then remove and prepare for planting.

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Horticultural Vinegar

Pros:

Fast-acting and organic alternative to synthetic herbicides
Easy to apply
Suitable for spot treatment
Breaks down to CO2 and water within 2 weeks

Cons:

May require multiple applications
Can affect surrounding plants if not applied carefully
Works best on young, actively growing grass
Can temporarily lower soil pH

Instructions:

Clear the Area: Remove any debris or large clumps of grass.
Apply Vinegar: Spray horticultural vinegar directly onto the grass on a sunny day.
Repeat as Needed: Reapply every few days until the grass shows signs of decline.
Prepare Soil: Once grass is dead, remove any remaining debris before planting.

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