Hugel Bed Experiment Project

For my 25th birthday my family helped create this experimental Hugel bed. I decided on the half circle concept in an attempt to start the creation of a micro-climate. The line that runs from each edge of the beds is parallel to the southern sun. The back bed was made a little higher than the front. I plan on adding a keyhole designed bed in front of the smaller circle this spring along with a small pond in front of that. The rocks were place along the beds to try and absorb some heat. the layering of bed was: large 2ft diameter cottonwood logs, European Buckthorn brush (in brush pile for 1 year), straw mulch, one foot of good topsoil. I did not have access to compost or manure so I had to do without. I planted rye seed and then mulched with straw to reduce soil erosion over the winter. I am crossing my fingers for the rye to germinate as it was planted late. I cut up lots of short box elder sprouts about four feet long which I laid over the straw and then drove stakes in and secured them with cross bars. Eventually I would like to plant some trees in the pathway/along the back bed. It might not work but I had so much fun creating it! Plus it is pretty awesome how when you bring people together it makes large jobs go really fast/well. Any suggestions/comments would be appreciated.

I plan on planting a legume such as hairy vetch or buckwheat this coming spring.

Great birthday gift!  Thanks for adding the picture.  I hope you keep us updated as this project grows and develops.

Looks great!

looking good! keep us updated as she grows

Thanks, I cannot wait until April to get some stuff growing on this!