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Instead of digging up the grass to turn your lawn into a garden, use the sheet mulch method by placing layers of newspaper or landscape fabric right on top of the grass to smother it. This will slow weed growth and the grass will decompose over time and add organic matter to the soil.
Plants can be planted right away if desired, by pushing aside the mulch and cutting holes through the newspapers, but we prefer to allow the area to sit for a growing season. Sheet mulching an area in the fall and then planting in the spring is ideal. The amount of time for grass to break down varies depending on soil and weather conditions.
Mow the grass very short (leave the clippings!) and spread a little compost on it, then water the area thoroughly before applying the newspaper layer.
The newspaper layer should be four to ten sheets thick. Wet them in a wheel barrel to make them easier to place. Make sure the papers overlap. It is very important that no light gets through!
On top of the newspaper, spread a thick layer of mulch (about 4 to 6 inches). Make sure this is also well watered.
Some weeds will manage to grow around the edges of the newspaper where they meet the sidewalk or curb. These should be dug out by hand.
It may be preferable to sheet mulch using landscape fabric instead of news paper. Leave the area for at least one growing season and then push the mulch aside and lift up the landscape fabric. After planting, spread the mulch back to help control further weed growth.
It may also be helpful to so a weed sweep before sheet mulching. You won't get all the weeds but digging out stubborn perennial weeds such as thistle, dandelion and bindweed will help make maintenance easier later on.
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