Hugelkulture/Raised Bed hybrid

I had asked for advice here last winter on combining the ideas of hugelkultur with a raised bed and I think it was a complete success. I have a fairly small bed (5' x 13') but I did intensive planting in it and everything is just thriving and some of it is exploding. I have zero pests now (had some trouble early on with the brassicas, but that is past now) and of course used no pesticides. I have just been thrilled with the progress and outcome. On my blog I photographed and documented all the steps.

http://woolyacres.wordpress.com/2012/06/16/our-hugelkultureraised-bed-garden/

In this space I have 5 varieties of tomatoes (3 each), 2 varieties of cucumber, bush beans, broccoli and brussels sprouts, radishes and carrots. Also one each of basil, oregano, cilantro, comfrey. Plus garlic and shallots.




So thanks to all for your help!

curious if you had to irrigate and if you have had sufficient rain or are in the drought/high heat areas

Brenda, I am watering the heck out of it with soaker hoses. I didn't expect that sponge property to kick in the first year anyway, and we have been terribly dry.

I am glad that your bed is working out well for you.

Indeed, new wood in a bed will absorb little/no water (just like a living branch on a living tree), but as it begins to break down it will create pores and channels that will eventually provide its sponge-like qualities. Keeping the surrounding soils moist will encourage the soil critters which will do the work for you. Keeping the surface covered with living matter, or mulch will keep evaporation to a minimum.