A soil-building technique where logs, branches, and woody brush are piled up and covered with compost and topsoil to create a raised planting mound. As the wood slowly decays underground, it acts like a sponge, retaining moisture and releasing nutrients over several years. This reduces the need for irrigation and fertilizer while sequestering carbon in the soil.
We built three large hügelkultur mounds on the contour to capture runoff and plant the heavy-feeding squashes.
Hardwoods like oak or apple are preferred for the base; avoid allelopathic woods like black walnut or cedar, which suppress plant growth and resist rotting.
Related terms
Permaculture
A design approach to agriculture that mimics natural ecosystems to create self-sustaining landscapes.
Compost heap
A managed pile of organic waste left to decompose into nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Mulch
A protective layer of material spread over the soil surface to retain moisture and suppress weeds.