Northern California Hugelkultur Questions: buckeye, manure, first crop?

Hello,

I live in Carmel Valley(Monterey, ca) where I am setting up some Hugel beds and I was hoping for some advice! First off has anyone ever made one out of buckeyes? I am kinda concerned that the branches might reboot and grow... I have laid out all the wood and am planning on covering them with dead leaves than dirt. I have a good source of horse manure, do you think it would be worthwhile to add it to the pile? Does anyone have any suggestions of what would be a good first crop to plant on it? It's not fenced in so I need something somewhat deer resistant.

Thanks,
Holokai

Let them dry out in the sun a little 1st before planting, lol, I mean burying them.

Good advice! Thanks!

Holokai,
How are your hugelkulture beds doing now? I'm in Pacific Grove, and a big fan of permaculture, though no room to grow. Are you finding life sustaining results from your efforts? especially here in this 'not cheap' location?
Anyway, hope it's going well.
Annie Duffy