Aloha Steemit family!!! Looking for some ways to save time and effort in the garden?
One thing most of us can relate to is hard compacted soil. This is one of the top reasons I hear when people justify not starting a garden.
So in this article I'll share our favorite way to create no-till/no dig garden beds. Keep in mind...we live in the desert...so anything to conserve water is muy importante.
INTRODUCING!!!! The hugelkultur raised bed!
A few years back our family decided to remove a large Ash tree in the front yard for various reasons. One was to create more sunny space for fruit trees, herbs and veg.
During the process it was then
discussed how to best honor her life and save on removal fees.
We had been reading about this method of farming based in Germany called Hugelkultur, which involves the process of using limbs, grass, and decaying matter mixed with soil to create a no-till garden bed.
So we chopped up and returned our beloved Ash tree lady back to the soil exactly where she had lived her life. And she still continues to return her nutrients to the garden today.
Here is an in depth article on why and how to build a hugelkultur garden bed...with several options for design.
https://www.permaculture.co.uk/articles/many-benefits-hugelkultur
"The advantages of a hugel bed are many, including:
The gradual decay of wood is a consistent source of long-term nutrients for the plants. A large bed might give out a constant supply of nutrients for 20 years (or even longer if you use only hardwoods). The composting wood also generates heat which should extend the growing season.
Soil aeration increases as those branches and logs break down... meaning the bed will be no till, long term.
The logs and branches act like a sponge. Rainwater is stored and then released during drier times. Actually you may never need to water your hugel bed again after the first year (except during long term droughts)."
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STEP 1:
On a sod lawn Sepp Holzer (hugelkultur expert) recommends cutting out the sod and digging a one foot deep trench.
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STEP 2:
Fill the trench with logs and branches. Then cover the logs with the upside down turf.
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STEP 3:
On top of the turf add grass clippings, seaweed, compost, aged manure, straw, green leaves, mulch, etc.
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We added a top coat of azomite (one of our favorite amendments which my partner 
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STEP 4:
Apply the final skin layer...wood chips to further retain moisture and support microbial diversity. We also planted comfrey 🙂
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After a few years...this is what the beds look like. We have not had to add any fertilizers or amendments except for the occasional top coat with wood chips and worm poo.
Simple right?
Let us know if you try it! We'd love to hear your feedback or questions.
Aloha,
Pachee and Family