PDC LESSON 2.57 DESIGN – HUGELKULTUR Part -3- THE BENEFITS

 

PERMACULTURE COURSE AGRO-ECONOMY

PDC LESSON 2.57 DESIGN – HUGELKULTUR Part -3- THE BENEFITS

 

The benefits of hill culture raised beds

There are so many benefits to building a mound culture raised bed.

For starters, they perform very well in arid areas, even deserts, due to their excellent ability to hold water. They require little to no irrigation, making them an incredibly sustainable addition to any farm. They also do not require fertilizer as they are planted in almost pure compost which is very nutrient rich.

The beds create different microclimates suitable for the different needs of different plants. For example, the side facing the sun can be used for plants that need direct sunlight, while the shadier side can be used for tender leafy greens and kale, for example.

The wood used under the mound bed slowly decomposes over time, allowing the soil to warm up faster in spring (compared to traditional flatbed gardening). This supports growth and germination of seeds, especially in spring, and allows growth to start earlier.

The soil is also loose and well-aerated, meaning it doesn't freeze as quickly in cooler areas.

The nutrients locked in the wood are slowly released over a period of several years. Vegetables with high nutrient requirements can also be grown without the use of additional fertilizer.

Finally, the hilling or sloping method of the raised bed will help increase the surface area and allow more room to grow. This is particularly useful in small gardens with limited space.