hugulkultur marsh?

So I'm about to start my hugulkultur. I wanted to dig as deep down as possible as recommended. BUT the ground level is already saturated with water for winter/spring/half of summer. It's like a grassy marsh. Would digging down make things worse, as it might be like placing the bottom logs in a small pond. Thanks for your tips.

Howdy Rissa, others may have a different opinion. I wouldn't dig down but rather build upwards. Seems to me that you would just end up with more swamp, but with logs in it, if you dug down.

Hi Risa,

I am of the same mind as Miles regarding your site. Wood does not decay at all underwater, or differently in your conditions. It sounds like your conditions would be great for rice, or watercress and any water loving plants. Root crops could be a challenge unless you dry things out a bit if it is a true marsh condition. Some experimentation may be in order?

Regards,

jay

Sounds like you could use a bald cypress tree to take care of your soggy ground. If you plant a number of them upstream where the water is flowing in, they may be able to transpire a lot of that water and dry out the ground.

Another alternative would be to put them on the downstream side of your property and use a French drain type system to keep them flooded while drying out the rest of the area.

thanks everyone. some really good suggestions. i'm glad i asked before breaking my back with the shovel.