Regenerative Home Gardening

Hugelkulture  

An Ancient Technique for Modern Home Gardening

 This time tested German gardening practice reduces the need for watering by as much as 90%, depending on the plantings, and sequesters carbon into the soil which provides fertility and prevents adding additional carbon into the atmosphere. 

Hugelkulture involves crafting raised garden beds by burying wooden logs or branches and topping them with compost and soil. The slowly decomposing wood retains moisture and heat, helping to nurture life in the soil. The resulting increase in organic matter, moisture and microbial activity boosts nutrient availability and reduces the need for watering, benefiting both the garden and gardener alike. 

By embracing this regenerative technique, home gardeners can cultivate thriving ecosystems that not only nourish their plants but also promote a healthier planet.

To implement the hugelkulture method, start by selecting a suitable location with well-drained soil. Use non-resinous wood if possible, such as oak, willow and cottonwood, as they decompose slowly and provide long-lasting water retention. 

Clear the area by removing grass, weeds, and debris, then dig a shallow trench around 2-6 feet deep, basically as deep as is reasonable for you and your home soil. Place the wood logs and branches parallel to each other in the ditch, not criss crossing too much, in order to leave gaps for air circulation and water drainage. Then cover the wood with soil and compost, creating a gradual raised row to facilitate planting. You can also line the row edges with logs, stones or lumber to create an aesthetically pleasing look. Using drip irrigation instead of overhead spray will ensure that no water is wasted to evaporation, as it will go directly into the soil and into the water-retaining wood.

Finally, plant your desired veggies in the newly formed raised bed, ensuring proper spacing and adequate root development. Regular maintenance, such as weeding and adding mulch, will keep your hugelkulture garden thriving. 

Experiment to see just how little you can water by skipping watering for one day, then water for two, then skip watering for two days, then water for two, then skip for three days and again water for two. Continue the testing until you find how many days your hugelkulture garden can safely go without water. Many will find that an established hugelkulture bed of greens can go many days without water, and some plants such as potatoes and tomatoes, hardly ever need to be watered at all.