Hugelkultur
Hugelkultur is German for “hill or mound culture”. The process involves a woody debris base withsoil, compost and animal waste piled on top. The rotting wood hosts fungi, bacteria, microbes, and the whole living soil food chain. The punky wood acts like a sponge and is a long term source of nutrients and moisture. In poor soil conditions like heavy clay, sand or rocky hardpan, it improves fertility, adds structure and provides water retention.
I use maple, oak, beech, birch, poplar and elm. Generally hardwood that has been in contactwith the ground and is starting to get punky. White hairy thread like fungi are what I look for in selecting woody debris.
Permaculture, market and large homestead gardens, hugelkultur beds are generally long rows and are quite tall. They serve as borders, wind rows and extra garden space in marginal areas. Within this decade, hugelkultur has found its way into cannabis horticulture. Legalization of cannabis spreading, cell phones, internet, youtube and social media information sharing has never been greater, some good and very bad. The hugelkultur concept has been modified into raised bed gardens and even indoor greenhouse grows.
Over the years, I have learned the hard way to always do side by side tests. Especially before completely switching from something that works. KNF inputs (Korean natural farming), no-till with hugelkultur living soil system produces amazing results, don't you think?
Thank you for the visit & please share with your friends. Because everyone should have a successful garden and grow what makes them happy and healthy!
