Every now and then, I get the itch to expand my landscaping—does that happen to you too?
Last summer, I noticed a spot on the south side of my house that just didn’t excite me. It felt unfinished. So, naturally, I started imagining what could be there… and before I knew it, I was mapping out a brand new garden bed.
If you’ve ever wondered how to clear a new garden bed, I’ve now tried (or researched) a few different methods—some more successful than others.
Step 1: Designing the Garden Bed
Before clearing anything, I always start with the design.
Creating a garden bed feels a lot like my work in graphic design. I observe the space from every angle—especially how it looks from inside the house—then consider how it connects to existing beds.
From there, I sketch.
Sometimes that’s on paper (hello grid paper!). Other times, I use a garden hose to outline the shape directly on the ground. This is one of my favorite tricks because it makes it easy to create soft, natural curves. Once I’m happy with the layout, I walk around it, adjust as needed, and then mark the edges with spray paint.
Step 2: Clearing the Garden Bed
This is where things get a bit more labor-intensive. There are a few common ways to remove grass and prepare soil for planting:
1. Manual Removal (Sod Cutting)
This is the fastest and most effective method for clearing a garden bed.
Using a spade or flat shovel, you remove the top 3–4 inches of grass and roots. It gives you a clean slate almost immediately—but it is physically demanding.
This has been my go-to method in the past, especially when I want to plant right away.
2. Sheet Mulching (My Winter Experiment)
Sheet mulching is a slower, more passive method that’s great if you’re planning ahead.
To try this, you:
- Layer cardboard or thick newspaper over the grass
- Add 3–4 inches of compost on top
- Let it sit for several months
The goal is to smother the grass while improving your soil at the same time.
Since it was already December when I started this project, I decided to give it a try. I layered 4–6 sheets of newspaper and topped it with compost, then left it over winter.
The result (so far)?
Not great.
Now that it’s April, there’s quite a bit of grass coming through, and the newspaper hasn’t fully broken down. I’m still deciding whether to give it more time or switch back to manual removal.
3. Solarization
Solarization uses heat from the sun to kill grass and weeds.
To do this, you cover the area with a tarp or clear plastic and let the sun do the work over several weeks. This method is most effective in the heat of summer.
I haven’t tried this one personally yet, but my sister-in-law is testing it this season—so I’ll report back with results.
What I’d Do Differently
If I’m being honest, timing played a big role in my experience. Starting in winter limited my options, and sheet mulching may need more time—or slightly different materials—to be fully effective.
If you’re looking for the most reliable way to clear a garden bed quickly, manual removal still seems to be the winner.
Planning Your Next Garden Bed
One thing this project reminded me is how helpful it is to have a place to track ideas, sketch layouts, and document what works (and what doesn’t).
That’s exactly why I created The Garden Book—to simplify the planning process without all the extra fluff. Whether you’re mapping out a new bed, testing different methods, or keeping notes from season to season, it gives you one place to keep it all organized.
Have you ever cleared a garden bed? I’d love to hear what method worked best for you.
