water in hugelkultur?

hi all, another beginners question please!  Hugel built and planning to seed this weekend (should be end of frosts according to forecast).  Clearly will need to water in if top dry and will cover in straw.  I know the theory is then the logs will have retained the moisture from the winter, but how does this get to the roots?? Can't find this written down anywhere!  I know the top layers were dry-ish when building - bottom was very wet.  I am assuming the theory is with the heat generated by decomposition and as the weather gets warmer the moisture evaporates inside the hugel and keeps things damp inside?? When will i know when to water - and where best to direct it? I had figured a hose into the base of the hugel - is this correct?   Hopefully not daft questions...........  many thanks.....m

The basic answer to your question is that water surface tension (ie a straw) will wick water from the wood into the soil and via microbes like fungi into the roots and up to leaves, all powered by the vacuum created as the plants’ leaves evapo-transpire water during photosynthesis. Every sugar molecule (h6c12o6) produced has the biproduct of an h20 and O2 molecule, and this creates a vacuum that pulls water in through the roots. It will help to saturate the pile once it’s completed. I like to move the wood when relatively dry because it’s so much lighter. Hugels can go a long time without water, but also can absorb incredible amounts (1/3 of their volume). This is what makes them ideal for the western US climate of wet winters and dry summers, as it mimicks what native forests do with nurse logs. The first season will be about on par with however good the soil you put on top would have done without the wood, but will require about 1/2 the watering frequency in my climate. It will only get better thereafter for at least a decade, when you will be left with a nice pile of compost to spread or continue growing in.

👍🏻👍🏻 Merci...  so when I need to water or empty rain tanks hose straight into the bottom. Foot deep trench in clay on a slope with ‘dams’ to slow flow so will hopefully soak the lot.

Just remember that dry soil can act a lot like a dry sponge and be hydrophobic, repelling water. If its a new bed or for starting seeds, I like to "wet the sponge" and give a little sprinkling all over before I rely on wicking. It may be impractical at times, and if your trench holds water long enough it may be unnecessary but its what I do.

Thanks Ben. Your thoughts and comments are much appreciated   👍🏻

Mark, I just read through your other hugel thread again. It looks really good & you're on the right track. Ben's info here about watering seeds matches what I have done. After they start growing good I suggest not directly watering the plants again unless they show signs of wilting. I drain excess rainwater deep into the base rather than onto the surface. Didn't notice any mention of worms but worms love hugels & will help build some great soil. Just saying:)

Thanks Mike. Worms were plentiful 😀

Thank you for responses. 3000litres + of H2O from stable roof  😀 3 ibc tanks collecting from gutters. Hugel on a slope so hopefully the whole thing will be well and truly soaked.