How to Kill Grass to Make a Garden
- 1). Determine the location of your intended garden. Set out stakes every 2 to 3 feet around the perimeter of the area and run string around the perimeter.
- 2). Mow the grass in that area with the blade set low. Do not allow the grass to fall back onto the ground. Use a grass catcher. Rake up all the loose grass after mowing.
- 3). Measure the area and purchase enough black plastic sheeting to cover the area. Allow for seam overlap. Purchase landscape staples as well to hold the sheeting in place.
- 4). Cover the area with the black plastic sheeting. Use the staples to hold the sheeting in place. Place bricks around the perimeter and along the seams to ensure no sunlight or airborne seeds can penetrate the sheeting.
- 5). Wait six to eight weeks. Remove a few of the bricks and look under the sheeting. If the grass is dead, remove the sheeting. Remove as carefully as possible in case you need to recover some areas or use the sheeting for other purposes.
- 6). Use a tiller to aerate the soil in the area. Amend the soil to ensure the soil will be healthy and to encourage microorganisms.
- 7). Consider trenching the perimeter of the garden and placing plastic sheeting in the perimeter to discourage grass roots from entering the garden. Fill in the trench with gravel, pavers or bricks.
