1. Green Hands a quick guide to teaching sheet mulching gardening EDCI 6304-63 Martín Perna Suzanne de León

2. Lesson Objectives to learn about sheet mulching to demonstrate use of the hand as a simple teaching device in planning a garden

3. What is sheet mulching? A garden technique that builds growing beds layer by layer Layers “or sheets” of organic matter biodegrade, make rich planting medium Creates easy-to maintain-raised beds Especially good for poor soil gardening Easy to do for all ages

4. Sheet Mulching Basics bottom layer: nitrogen activator existing weeds/grass, manure, kitchen scraps second layer: weed barrier cardboard, burlap, or thick newspaper third layer: organic compost yard/kitchen, compost, mulch, leaves top layer: topsoil (or wait 6 months for third layer to decompose)

5. Teaching Sheet Mulching Step One: trace a picture of your hand

6. compost/manure paper/cardboard mulch topsoil* seeds / transplants Sheet Mulching Layers Step Two: Write the name of each layer

7. Sheet Mulching Planning Step 3: Write in sources of material for layers compost/manure paper/cardboard mulch topsoil* seeds / transplants yard waste, grass clippings, kitchen scraps, chicken, rabbit, horse, or cow manures newspapers, cardboard boxes, office paper topsoil from garden store, straw, twigs leaves from yard, grass clippings, compost from garden store, your own saved seeds or your transplants

8. Good luck!