June 01, 2023

Maximizing Garden Space: Grow More with Less

Are you strolling around your garden, dreaming of a lush, productive space, but feeling like you're playing a game of Tetris with your plants? You've got the will, you've got the way, but what you need is a little bit more space.

Now, I'm not going to suggest you start expanding your backyard into your neighbor's or building a garden skyscraper. No, I'm here to introduce you to a gardening technique that's as fun to use as it is to say - Hügelkultur!

"Hügelkultur," my friends, is not an obscure character from a Tolkien novel. It's a German word that means "hill culture" or "hill mound". Now, before you start picturing a mole on steroids, let me explain.

1. Hügelkultur: The Basics

At its core, Hügelkultur is about making mounds or raised beds filled with rotten wood and other compostable materials, and then planting on top. It's like creating a garden lasagna, only this one is a feast for your plants, not your belly!

2. Go Vertical

Hügelkultur beds can be built quite tall, which effectively increases your planting area. It's like moving into a two-story house - twice the space, same footprint. This means more room for your plants to stretch out and less ground space used. And the best part? No ladders needed for harvest time, unless you're REALLY ambitious with your mound height!

3. No-Waste Policy

Hügelkultur is all about recycling. That old tree stump, those branches and leaves you cleaned up last fall, even your kitchen scraps can all be put to good use in your Hügelkultur bed. It's like giving your garden waste a second life as a plant buffet. Now, isn't that a lot better than taking out the trash?

4. Less Water, More Growth

The rotten wood core of a Hügelkultur bed acts like a sponge, retaining water and reducing the need for watering. In fact, a well-established Hügelkultur bed can often go the whole summer without any additional watering. So, you save on water, your plants get a steady supply, and you get more time to enjoy your garden instead of hauling the hose around. Win-win-win!

Now, that probably sounds super difficult. But with the right tool, it’s easier than you’d think. The right raised garden bed can make all the difference.

The Sproutbox Garden metal raised garden bed isn't just a container, it's the perfect frame for your Hügelkultur masterpiece. Its sturdy, sleek design makes it a perfect match for your backyard, and its raised design saves your back from the torture of bending over all the time.

Building a Hügelkultur bed in a Sproutbox Garden bed is as easy as layering in your materials, and then topping it off with soil. The metal sides keep everything neatly contained, and they even help to warm the soil a bit, giving your plants a nice cozy bed to grow in.

Check out our full selection here, grab your own raised garden bed and transform your garden!

So, if you're ready to maximize your garden space, reduce waste, and save on water, why not give Hügelkultur a try? 

Happy gardening!