Starting an Organic Vegetable Garden from a Weedy Lawn in Northeast PA

Step-by-Step Conversion

1. Remove hedges and roots: Cut down and dig out woody vegetation.
2. Solarize: Cover area with black plastic for 90 days to kill grass and weeds.
3. Soil test and amend: Remove plastic, test pH, adjust to 6.5 with lime or sulfur.
4. Till thoroughly.
5. Green manure: Plant annual ryegrass to be tilled under next spring.
6. Compost: Start a pile with grass clippings and neighbor's leaves. In spring, spread 3–4 inches of compost and till in.
7. Plant.

Vegetable Selection for Partial Shade

Vegetables need 8–10 hours of direct sun. With only half-day sun, production will be poor. Consult a local independent nurseryman for a garden plan tailored to your frost dates and light conditions.