Asked May 25, 2021, 9:39 AM EDT
Hello!
I have decided to convert a large portion of my grass lawn into a garden. I rented a sod cutter, tore about 2 inches off, and have decided to flip it over. I like the prospect of retaining the top soil and knowing that, as the grass breaks down, it will feed what I plant.
I'm concerned about the weed bank, however, as this definitely disturbed the ground. What is the best way to decompose that sod and minimize the risk that the weeds germinate, or grow through from below for that matter?
I've read mixed suggestions: either put a black tarp over it (wet it down first?), solarize with a clear tarp (are we warm enough in MN yet?), or let it dry out and kill the grass roots then cover or plant.
Suggestions?
Hennepin County Minnesota