Questions please - beginners at this and just building first
hugelkultur. Have read lots on internet but info / opinions seem inconsistent. We have heavy clay (Low Weald, Kent, England) - good for brickmaking! Digging spade depth trench about 35ft long x 3-4ft wide. Logs mainly lengthways to provide stability and shape to mound, but intermediate 'cross logs' to slow down
water as on slope enabling logs to soak up more hopefully. Will be packing in horse manure (we have lots) to provide nitrates and minimise initial voids. The sods/clay dug out I know are then meant to be placed back on top grass down - but I don't want to get this wrong and find the clay seals things up too much and dries out (goes hard as
concrete in summer!). Its digging out nicely in big lumps as currently very wet - do I break it up and use it? / just 'slice' off the thin topsoil and grass and use that? / or not at all? If I do use where does it go? On top of the big logs with the smaller
wood over that, or the smaller wood straight on top of the big logs then over the lot? Final topping planning to use well rotted manure (with some
straw from mucking out providing
mulch too) in lieu of topsoil. Thoughts? Aim to plant this season. Not perfect position as although it runs north/south there is a large oak tree providing shade to the east side. The west side will get full sun in the afternoons - any suggestions on what best to grow? many thanks and look forward to your opinions please - particularly on the clay question!!