When we moved to our new property in 150 Mile in 2020, I knew I wanted a bigger garden than I had previously. Although, the work required to maintain a 40-hour work week, family and a large garden was daunting! Therefore, I decided I need to incorporate two new elements: the no-dig method and Hügelkultur.
The no-dig method I will cover another day, but today I will talk about Hügelkultur (German for "hill culture" or "mound culture"). This is a sustainable gardening technique that involves building raised garden beds that mimic natural forest ecosystems, where fallen logs decompose over time, enriching the soil and retaining moisture.
Sounds fancy, but how does that work?
First, you have your base layer consisting of logs, branches and debris. Next, you take smaller branches, twigs, leaves, grass clippings or other organic material. Fill in any large gaps as you go with smaller debris because the tighter, the better. Lastly, fill in the top with at least three inches of finished compost and top soil. I had a surplus of spent wood shavings and chicken manure from my coop, so I used that as my compost layer instead.
Mounds should be a minimum of four feet wide and two-three feet tall. Some go as far as five-six feet high, which sounds excessive, but over time as the wood breaks down, so will the height of the piles; a six-foot bed would eventually be about two feet once decomposition and settling have taken place. I noticed settling after the first year, so the second year I added another layer of topsoil.
Benefits of Hügelkultur
• Water Retention – In your first year, you will need to water fairly often, but by your second year, the decomposing wood acts like a sponge, holding moisture and reducing the need for irrigation.
• Soil Enrichment – As the wood breaks down, it releases nutrients, improving soil fertility over time.
• Improved Drainage – The raised structure helps prevent waterlogging in wet climates.
• Extended Growing Season – Decomposing wood generates warmth, promoting early planting in spring, and late-growing in the fall. (A great benefit in an area with a shorter growing season like the Cariboo)
Hardwoods like oak, maple and fruit trees are best as they provide slow decomposition, which gives the best long-term benefit but avoid black walnut and cedar; walnut is toxic to plants and cedar is antimicrobial (which is counterproductive in this process). I had a surplus of pine and fir, which are fine to use, they just break down a little faster.
Overall, Hügelkultur is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, water-efficient, and sustainable way to grow food while improving soil health. Would you like help planning a hügelkultur bed for your space? Give us a shout at the Conservation Society!
https://www.almanac.com/what-hugelkultur-ultimate-raised-bed
For more information on Water Wise or Waste Wise and any of our school and community programs, contact the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society at coordinator@conservationsociety.ca or visit the website at www.conservationsociety.ca
Dani Gastaldello is the program coordinator for the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society
