Hugelkultur ( pronounce HEW - gul - culture ) , is roughly translate from the German phrase “ James Jerome Hill culture ” and mention to a raised horticulture expressive style that take piazza over mounds or — you guessed it — hills . This lasagna - style garden bed consists of layers of mulch material with one invisible closed book : its important forest base .
This type of gardening is ideal for wooded areas where branch and log , even rotting ones , are abundant . If you ’re interested in Hugelkultur , this article will render a basic reason of its benefit and proficiency . Are you a Hugelkultur expert ? Show us some pic ( or even drawings ! ) of your Hugel layer !
Benefits of Hugelkultur Gardening
The distinguishing welfare of a Hugel raised bed lies within its center : a hill of pile logs , leg , and wood . Why is this important ? Once overlay , this hammock will generate passion , retain moisture , emit carbon copy , aerate the soil , and supply nutrient as it dilapidate over the years .
This translates ( figuratively , of form ) to a few real benefits : due to the aeration , you will not have to till this bed . Thanks to its piss retentivity , you will likely only need to water this bed during its first year . After that , it will provide its own water , except during extreme droughts . Since the planting airfoil of the bed is created using layer , the timbre of your stain is irrelevant when grow vegetables in a Hugel bottom . Finally , since it will also captivate heat , you will notice that you’re able to broaden your growing season or grow in climate that are inhospitable to certain crops .
How to Create a Hugel Raised Bed
Pick a shape : Spiral ? Keyhole - mold ? circular ? Rectangular ? This bottom literally knows no bound and can be edged if desired or left open . Also resolve how high your bed will be . If you want a giant mound that is sluttish to harvest at oculus - floor , you may desire to dig a oceanic abyss for the forest pot . The more wood you add , the less water it will need and the more high temperature it will retain . Once you ’ve added all your wood ( see “ Tips ” below for Mrs. Henry Wood choices ) , layer with organic material : hay , soil , manure , compost , straw , Gunter Grass clip . Seedlings are establish on the outermost layer , so make indisputable that level allow for adequate nutrient .
Over time , the pile will start to break down , so you will want to impart extra bed after a harvest time . In the end , even the wood spile will eventually break down , leave you with a peck of nutrient - rich grunge after all .
Tips to Remember
The case of wood you use will determine the bottom ’s longevity . hardwood will last ( and thus provide nutrition ) for about 20 eld – seek cedar , maple , oak , Malus pumila , poplar , or willow . void these woods altogether due to toxicity or delayed rot : black locust , smutty walnut tree , old growth sequoia . If you want a less lasting bed , you could use hay as your al-Qaeda , which will last about five age . For the best of both mankind , employ a wood base and Basle as edging ; this will further encourage oestrus retention .
Build your Hugel seam in an optimal location , one that include full sun photo over each slope ( if uprise veg ) and wind protective covering if potential . You ’ll want to mop the lawn and smother with composition board before assembling your groundwork if you settle not to dig a trench . Alternatively , you’re able to cut up sod and pile the chunk over your wood mound , grassy side down . This will provide green mulch close to your wood base .
For more information on Hugelkultur horticulture , watch out these situation : http://www.inspirationgreen.com / hugelkultur.htmlhttp://awaytogarden.com / hugelkultur - raised - garden - beds/
Creative Commons Flickr photograph courtesy ofClarity J , Andrew Perkins , andMark .
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