Hügelkultur: A Key Element in Our Regeneration

Agata Grzegorzek
6 days ago
2 min read

Among the many permaculture techniques used across our land, hügelkultur stands out as one of the most relied upon. This traditional method of building raised garden beds involves layering various organic materials to create a self-sustaining, moisture-retentive growing environment. Rather than planting directly into the soil, hügelkultur beds are often prepared in advance—helping to retain water, improve soil structure, and steadily build fertility over time.

Forest Wisdom in the Garden

This clever technique, which has roots in Eastern European farming traditions, mimics the natural decomposition process found on forest floors, where fallen wood gradually breaks down and enriches the soil. A typical hügelkultur bed begins with a base of logs and branches, which gradually decomposes and acts like a sponge, storing moisture and releasing it gradually to plants. This base is then topped with green leaves or clippings, finer organic materials, and finished with a layer of soil, creating a raised mound that evolves into a fertile, microbially rich growing medium.

It’s like creating a long-term composting mound where the veggies, herbs, or flowers can thrive with minimal input. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle garden debris and improve soil health over time. We are implementing different variations of the hügelkultur technique in many of our small projects and often we are trying to add as many important layers as we can.

Our favourite "recipe"

Diagram of hügelkultur layers: wood chips, manure, soil, greens, logs. Arrows denote functions like nutrients and protection. Beige background.

Our best “recipe” begins with the composting base: logs and branches at the bottom to provide carbon, followed by green materials like leaves, that add nitrogen—which will decompose over time. Once the composting base is established, the next layer is the growing substrate: soil, which supplies minerals and beneficial microorganisms, and manure, adding essential nutrients for plants. Finally, a layer of mulch—such as woodchips, straw or other organic matter—is added to protect the substrate from drying out due to sun and wind and help control weeds.

Learn more about hügelkultur from our latest Vlog.

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