Nic Gardener

Nathanael Szobody wrote:Thanks for the tip. Eucalyptus also makes great mulch. Nature decides when it's ready to integrate with the soil.

I find it makes a good mulch if you let it age for at least 6 months first. Let those compounds leach out first. Unless you want to take advantage of its natural retardation of other plants growthing underneath 🤔

From your experience what tree timbers do you wish you avoided or found don't perform as well in a Hügelkultur system?
Here in Australia we mostly have gum (Eucalyptus trees) and unfortunately deciduous trees timber is hard to come by.
From what I've found Gum tree logs just don't get that same sponge thats so desirable for Hügelkultur.
So if you have them nearby dont make my first attempt mistake and avoid eucalyptus wood/branches and leaves as their allelopathic substance from the flammable oils they produce stunts plant growth, make soil hydrophobic and can take decades longer to break down. I've also found that because they are resistant to rot and timber so dense that they stay dry until termites eat them away.
Usually need about 6 months of aging for the allelopathic substance effect from eucalyptus material to wear off.

Makes great timber for counter tops, tables, chopping boards, benches and excellent firewood for many of the same reasons mentioned above.

Nic here from Ballarat Victoria. I'm very fortunate to live just over half an hour away from David Holmgrens (permaculture co-ordinator) property melliodora, the first demonstration property

Comfrey is my all time favorite plant. I live in southern Australia and had common comfrey (Symphytum officinale) for years as it was all that was available.
I finally have Russian comfrey aka bocking 14 (Symphytum Uplandica) and now i have Russian comfrey all through my backyard. I love it. I heard that if you put a comfrey leaf under each potato you plant it will do better because comfrey provides lots of phosphorus and potassium.

Comfrey is one of my all time favourite plants. I have both common comfrey and the larger Russian comfrey. I find the best way to grow it for me has been I dig up a clump, cut the roots up into 1-2" lengths and bury the root segments next to things like my tomatoes when i plant them in spring. They get the right amount of water, shade and protection. Just stick them in and forget. Once the end of the season has passed and It's time to pull our the veggies the Comfrey is well established.