Wondering how to make a sustainable raised garden bed using the hugelkultur technique?
Making a hugelkultur involves layering logs and branches and covering them with soil and compost to create an enriched ecosystem for great plant growth. The logs and branches rot down over time creating an excellent growing soil that retains water like a sponge and contains amazing fertility.
The traditional method to create mounds is with logs and branches inside covered with layers of organic materials. This article explores the use of the technique of building a hugelkultur, but confined within a raised bed.
Advantages of Raised Bed Hugelkultur
Enhanced Water Retention
Raised Bed Hugelkultur involves the layering of organic materials such as logs, branches, and other decomposable matter beneath the soil. This unique composition acts as a sponge, absorbing and retaining water efficiently. As a result, your plants receive a consistent and steady water supply, reducing the need for frequent irrigation and promoting better drought resistance.
Improved Soil Fertility
The decaying organic matter in the hugelkultur bed serves as a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil with essential nutrients. Over time, this decomposition process releases nutrients into the soil, creating a nutrient-rich environment that fosters robust plant growth. The gradual breakdown of organic materials also contributes to a well-aerated soil structure, promoting healthy root development.
Temperature
As the organic layers in a Raised Bed Hugelkultur system decompose they release heat, this heat is great for extending the growing season, planting earlier and growing later into the year.
Weed Suppression
The densely packed layers of organic materials in hugelkultur beds create a natural barrier against weeds. As the materials break down, they form a mulch-like layer on the surface, preventing weed growth and reducing the need for manual weeding. This not only saves time and effort but also helps maintain a neat and tidy garden space.
Long-Term Sustainability
Raised Bed Hugelkultur is a sustainable gardening method that utilizes readily available, natural materials. By recycling logs, branches, and other organic waste, we can contribute to a circular economy, minimizing the environmental impact associated with conventional gardening practices.
Space
The principles of the Raised Bed Hugelkulture system can be applied to large and small areas. For small spaces, make the beds smaller, using smaller woody materials. For larger spaces, use larger woody material
Versatility
Raised Bed Hugelkultur is adaptable, a traditional Hugelkultur mound has planting space on the top and on the sides. Or with the mound constructed within a raised bed, only the top is exposed for planting.
How To Implement Raised Bed Hugelkultur
Now that we’ve explored the advantages, let’s dive into the practical steps of implementing Raised Bed Hugelkultur in your own garden.
Materials Needed
Logs and Branches
Collect logs and branches of varying sizes. Ideally, use hardwood materials, as they decompose more slowly and provide a longer-lasting foundation for your hugelkultur bed.
Compost and Soil
Gather a mix of compost and soil. This is used to cover the organic layers and provide a growing medium for your plants.
Mulch
Have a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, on hand to cover the surface of the hugelkultur bed. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the garden.
Step-by-Step Guide
Choose a Location
Select a suitable location for your raised bed. Ensure it receives adequate sunlight and has proper drainage. In the UK beds running north to south will have even levels of sunlight.
Remember if you are creating a mound hugelkultur, rather than a raised bed hugelkultur then the two sides of the mound will receive different sunlight levels and wind and rain exposure.
Build the sides
We used pallets, on their ends, to construct the sides of the raised bed. The first iteration was very simply built and held together with cable ties. We lined the pallets with a geotextile. This system rotted in about 7 years and was replaced with more solid timber sides. The hugelkultur inside remained whilst the sides of the raised bed were replaced.
Layer Logs and Branches
Place larger logs at the bottom of the bed, creating a solid foundation. Layer smaller branches on top, creating a diverse mixture of organic materials. This establishes the core structure of the hugelkultur bed.
Smaller organic material such as woodchip, leaves and small twigs, or even shredded newspaper can be used to fill in gaps between the larger logs.
Watering
Initially, water the hugelkultur bed thoroughly to settle the soil and initiate decomposition. It’s easiest to water the layers as you add them. As the organic matter breaks down, the bed will become more self-sufficient in terms of water retention.
Add Compost and Soil
Cover the layer of logs and branches with a generous amount of compost and soil. This mixture provides the necessary nutrients for plant growth and kickstarts the decomposition process.
Plant Your Garden
Once the hugelkultur bed is prepared, you can plant your desired vegetables, herbs, or flowers.
With a good layer of soil and compost on the top of the hugelkultur it is possible to plant straight away. The logs will rot down over time making nutrients and air and water spaces available to the plant roots.
Many people construct their hugelkultur beds in the autumn, then allowing a few months over winter for everything to settle before planting in the spring.
Anything can be planted in a Hugelkultur Raised Bed, but they are especially good for hungry feeders like squash and courgette. As the logs are breaking down they release heat and nutrients which aid in plant growth.
Mulch the Surface
It’s always a good idea to apply a layer of organic mulch on the surface of the soil. This helps retain moisture, regulates temperature, and prevents weed growth.
Monitor and Maintain
Keep an eye on the hugelkultur bed as it evolves. Over time, add additional compost or mulch as needed. Monitor plant health and adjust watering accordingly.
FAQ
What grows best in a hugelkultur?
Anything can be grown in a hugelkultur, many people grow heavy feeders such as pumpkins, squash, courgettes and melons as the system provides great nutrition to plants like this.
What is the best wood to use in a hugelkultur?
The best logs to use are already partially rotted wood. Woods such as apple, beech, hornbeam, oak, hazel will all work well. Fresh wood that might sprout is not a good idea as it could start growing within your mound.
The only wood to avoid is black walnut or black cherry, these woods have properties that repel plants and will restrict plant growth.
Raised Bed Hugelkultur gardening is a rewarding and sustainable practice that offers a host of benefits for both gardeners and the environment. By enhancing water retention, improving soil fertility, regulating temperature, suppressing weeds, and promoting long-term sustainability, this method provides a holistic approach to gardening. By following the step-by-step guide, you can implement Raised Bed Hugelkultur in your own garden, elevating your green space to new heights of productivity and ecological harmony.
I would love to hear about your journeys with hugelkultur in the comments below!