Someone asked us upon hearing the word “hugelkultur” for the first time if it was appropriate to use the word in proper company. It’s a mouthful alright.

Hugelkultur is an old German concept/word meaning “hill-culture”. Wood is buried under topsoil (either in a hole or right on the ground) and as it breaks down, it holds lots of moisture and provides sustained nutrients for plant growth. It is one of the best methods that Becky and I incorporate to use up all of the extra woody materials from around our house. Why not put all the good carbon to use below the plants we want to grow?

More on “Hugelkultur” Definition

Pictured: Students Proudly Straddling Wood-Chunks in Hugelkultur Bed at one of our Permaculture Courses in California

Click Here for a Picture Sequence
of the digging of this Hugelkultur Bed