```dv dv.paragraph(("https://jimr.fyi/" + dv.currentFilePath.replace(/\.md$/, "").replace(/ /g, "+"))) ``` [article](https://www.permaculture.co.uk/articles/the-many-benefits-of-hugelkultur/) ![[Pasted image 20250412092630.png\|500]] #### How To Build - Trench (optional): Dig 6–12" down to anchor the bed and improve water retention. - Logs: 4-12" hardwood logs that will decompose over 10–20 years - Branches: 1-4", fill gaps, add structure, decompose over 1–3 years - Twigs: <1", complete dense structure, decompose within year - Organic Fill: 6-12" leaves, untreated grass clippings, straw, compost - Topsoil: 2–4" of quality topsoil to create a planting surface - Mulch (optional): straw/leaf mulch to prevent erosion and retain moisture - Notes - Ensure no allelopathic or rot-resistant wood is used - Lightly Walk on bed to remove large air gaps in log-twig layer. Don't walk on after fill/topsoil/mulch to prevent compaction #### Materials List per 10-foot Hügelkultur Bed | Material | Cubic Feet | Practical Measurement | Estimated Cost | Notes | | ---------------- | ---------- | -------------------------------------------------- | -------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Logs** | 15 | 8-10 logs, 4-6" diameter, 10' long | $0-50 | Free if salvaged; $40-50 if purchased as firewood. Use hardwoods like oak, maple, apple. | | **Branches** | 12.5 | 3-4 wheelbarrow loads | $0 | Usually free from yard cleanup or tree trimming | | **Twigs** | 7.5 | 2 wheelbarrow loads | $0 | Free from yard cleanup | | **Organic Fill** | 15 | 5-6 bags (2.5 cu ft each) or 1/2 pickup truck load | $0-45 | $0 if using yard waste; $15-45 for purchased compost | | **Topsoil** | 12.5 | 5 bags (2.5 cu ft each) or 1/2 pickup truck load | $25-40 | $5-8 per bag from garden center; cheaper in bulk | | **Mulch** | 5 | 2 bags (2.5 cu ft each) | $10-20 | Straw bale ($10) or 2 bags of leaf mulch ($20) | | **TOTAL** | 67.5 | About 2.5 cubic yards | $35-155 | A standard pickup truck bed holds approximately 2-3 cubic yards | #### Planning ##### Orientation to Slope - 1–10% slope: place beds 90° across the slope (true contour) - 10–20% slope: consider shortening beds, adding spillways, or using retaining edges - 20%+ slope: switch to true terraces, earthworks, or swale-berm systems with safe drainage ##### Orientation to Sun ###### Bed Runs North-South : balanced exposure on both sides | Side | Sunlight | Soil Temp | Air Temp | Humidity | PASI (%) | Snow Melt | Extra Growing Days | Planting Notes | | --------- | ------------- | --------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | ---------------- | ------------------ | ------------------------- | | East | Morning sun | +3-5°F | +1-2°F | Neutral | 60-80% | Slightly earlier | +3-6 days | Greens, peas, herbs | | Top ridge | Full sun | +5-8°F | +2-3°F | Low | 100-105% | 1 week earlier | +7-10 days | Tomatoes, peppers, melons | | West | Afternoon sun | +4-6°F | +2-3°F | Low | 80-95% | Slightly earlier | +5-8 days | Sunflowers, beans, squash | ###### Bed Runs East-West: more diverse micro climate, warm/dry and cool/moist side | Zone | Sunlight | Soil Temp | Air Temp | Humidity | PASI (%) | Snow Melt | Extra Growing Days | Planting Notes | | --------- | ---------------- | --------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | ----------------- | ------------------ | -------------------------------------- | | South | Full sun all day | +5-9°F | +2-4°F | Low | 100-120% | 1-2 weeks earlier | +10-14 days | Heat lovers: peppers, lavender, melons | | Top ridge | Full sun | +6-10°F | +3-5°F | Very low | 100-105% | 1 week earlier | +7-10 days | Tomatoes, cucurbits, high-yield crops | | North | Full shade | +1-3°F | +0-1°F | High | 40-60% | 1-2 weeks later | -5 to 0 days | Lettuce, comfrey, mushrooms |