Ivan Segerstrom

Now the project is started and I would like to know if pine tree logs is fine for using in the beds, these are freshly cut/logged? I will also put down some birch, and some old logs of sallow (salix caprea). The heating pipe idea will not be realized atm...

Also I would like to know what effect the needles might have on the beds? I'm thinking not to use any of them in the beds as they will make the ground acid?

There is still snow on the ground... I will keep you posted

What about blowing warm air on the bed with the help of solar panels? It will melt the snow early in the spring and heat up the bed, I will still have to wait until there is no risk of frost I guess...

I have not checked this post for a while, and boy am I glad to be back. This forum is amazing with all the feedback you get, cheers everyone!

-Ivan

What's your thoughts about using a solar air heating system to heat the beds in the spring? Anyone tried something like this?

Thank you Jordan!

Why is it that more is converted into soil humus with a slower decomposition? And would manure make it decompose faster? I'm also considering to put some charcoal in the beds as I have heard that it stimulates microorganisms a lot?

I'll have to consider that my climate is a very cold one and I know for a fact that things takes a lot of time up here, do you think I'm aiming for the wrong target if I try to speed the process up by for example using manure?

Many thanks -Ivan

Hi, I live in the north of Sweden right at the arctic circle. I'm planning to set up some permaculture at my moms garden this summer. I'm especially interested in hugelkultur as we have lots of wood for this.

Our average annual temperature is around -5 degrees Celsius. Sounds cold, but in the summer the climate is great for growing, and my mom has been growing large amounts w/o permaculture for ~25 years.

I have a few questions:

Will hogelkultur work great in this cold climate?
I read somewhere that the wood breaks down in winter time, my guess is that this wont happen as much in this cold climate? Maybe I'll have to use solar heating and some pipes trough the beds to get it warm early in the spring, anyone tried something similar?

What size of the beds is recommended for colder climate? I'm thinking BIG, maybe close to 2m high?

And my final but most essential question; My speculation is that the colder climate will make the wood decompose at a slower rate. If this is true, would it be a good idea to put some manure in the beds as well? This manure will probably serve as a boost for the plants the first few years, but how will it effect the decomposing of the wood? Will it serve as a catalyst and have a long term positive effect?? My plan would be to put the manure together with the wood as the hugelkulture core.

I'll wait with great anticipation for all your experienced minds to work your magic!

Thanks! -Ivan