Hugelkultur is a very old practice originating from Germany that allowed people to grow food in abundance, without the need of irrigation. The buried wood and other bits of compostable material in hugelkultur beds create a fungal-rich base that retains water and provides essential nutrients to the plants growing in the bed.
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| first layer of apple wood cuttings |
Paul has filled the base of his structure with apple
wood cuttings and old cardboard, covered with a layer of topsoil. This will break down over the winter months
and he will add the strawberry plants in the spring. It looks very smart and I shall look forward
to a bumper strawberry crop next year.
This is how the hugelkultur is looking today...
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| we have added netting to keep the blackbirds from digging |
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| healthy looking strawberry plants |
I'm really hoping we get a good crop of strawberries this summer.
Is Paul looking for a job? I know someone who could use his expertise!
ReplyDeleteI have exclusive rights.
DeleteThat looks fantastic. Very healthy looking strawberry plants, too! -Jenn
ReplyDeleteAll made from old wooden pallets and plastic water pipes!
DeleteWhat a clever idea. I envy you your future strawberries.
ReplyDeleteI adore strawberries so I can't wait.
DeleteThe idea is wonderful and the results look good.
ReplyDeleteLooks promising at the moment.
DeleteA nice experiment. In which direction does that wall face?
ReplyDeleteFaces south west so should get plenty of sun.
DeleteThat's good.
DeleteI feel somehow that the buried bits should be in some 'found' object, for a total experience.
ReplyDeleteI'll pass on your suggestion to Paul; I'm not sure how he will interpret it though.
DeleteWhat a great idea and the plants look really healthy.
ReplyDeleteLots of flowers on the plants so we just need some warmth and sunshine now.
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