how to convert a bed of weeds into garden soil

Question: Hello,

I recently purchased a new house in Corvallis, where the owner has a large fenced area that may once have been used for gardening but is now a bed of weeds on heavy clay soil.  Could you advise me on the long term steps I need to take to convert the area into a vegetable garden?  I know tilling the soil isn't advisable but not sure whether simply laying organic compost over the weeds is the answer.  Might it be possible to mow the weeds down when they're completely dried out in late August and then add amendments?  I'm in no hurry, just want to build healthy soil.  Can you suggest resources like books or printed guides for me?

Thank you!

responder: Deb K  Replied July 19, 2023, 1:24 PM EDT
response: Hi Elizabeth,     Welcome to Corvallis and wow! What a great fenced area you have for your garden!     I recommend you try sheet mulching also known as lasagna gardening to prepare you soil for your new garden.  Basically mow down the weeds, cover with cardboard or newspaper and cover with composting materials.  The process takes about 4 months.      Here is a short article that covers the basic steps: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/12281/sheetmulching.pdf  This link to Penn State extension has a short video that describes the process in more detail: https://extension.psu.edu/sheet-mulching-lawn-to-garden-bed-in-3-steps  This link is to an OSU article on clay soils. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/diamonds-clay-soils-are-forever  This last links are to a couple great publications from OSU that covers the basics of vegetable  gardening. You can download both of these resources with no charge:   Vegetable Gardening in Oregon: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-871-vegetable-gardening-oregon  Growing You Own: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em-9027-growing-your-own  Please let me know if you have any problems with these links.  Have fun with your project!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 2:52 PM EDT
response: Hi Deb,   Thank you SO much for your helpful suggestions.  Luckily, I'm a retired historian and very patient ;)  I appreciate your quick reply too!   Best wishes,   Elizabeth     Professor Emerita of History Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1776 <personal data hidden>        From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2023 11:24 AM To: Jones,Elizabeth <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: how to convert a bed of weeds into garden soil (#0111258)    ** Caution: EXTERNAL Sender **

responder: Deb K  Replied July 19, 2023, 3:20 PM EDT
response: You're very welcome! Feel free to contact us at "ask extension" if you have future questions. And FYI:  We also have a Master Gardener Help Desk where you can drop off samples for insect/disease diagnosis. The help desk also provides free pH testing of your soil.   They are open 9:00am-4:00pm Mon-Fri Extension Office, Master Gardener Help Desk Sunset Building, room 107 4077 Research Way Corvallis, OR 97333 <personal data hidden> Happy Gardening!