Hugelkultur is a garden bed design from German culture that is basically a pile of logs buried in limbs, leaves, and compost and mulch. The idea is that the wood absorbs and holds onto water, and as it breaks down it creates the whole spectrum of nutrients that healthy plants require. The moisture retention makes for very little watering if any, and the wood takes so long to break down that the whole thing ends up being a very productive garden without much input at all from the gardener for many years. 20 years is common for a mound built 5-6’ high to begin with. I started mine and let it settle for three years, just adding leaves in the fall until this spring when I topped it with 6” of compost to plant in, then 6” of wood chips for mulch. Here’s a couple pictures from the beginning and near the end of the season. Once it’s built it’s a lazy gardener’s dream And it’s a great way to make use of less desirable wood.
Im laughing with you Jason! Theres still a pile of elm 1/4 mile down the street from me i havent touched. Ill only take it to give it away as a comp to folks where i have wood stored. If you make a "grave" we wants pics and to be invited to the funeral! Use black locust for the headstone though! I know the obituary wont read "In loving memory"
Well I be dang...there may be a use for blasted sweetgum after all... What size do you start with...small limbs or hunks/logs? I can't believe people plant morning glories! After being on hands and knees pulling them out of our small field of tobacco when I was young, I get the tremors when I see a morning glory....
