Hügelkultur Raised Beds

[akroberts1085]

Building a Traditional In-Ground Hügelkultur Mound Bed

Just came across this newer YouTube video on making an in-ground hügelkultur mound bed. For a number of reasons, I prefer hügelkultur raised beds, but I'm posting this video for the good quality how-to make a hügelkultur mound instructional. Also, at the end, he digs up the mound after 6 months to check on how well the system is working. Spoiler alert...it was working well.

I have seen that method in a few episodes of Homestead Rescue. It's what really intrigued me into wanting to get into the realm of hugelkultre system.

 

[akroberts1085]

I have a question. Does anyone know how many 12 inch electro culture pipes would be needed for a raised bed that's 4 ft × 2 ft × 1ft.

 

[gtaus]

I have a question. Does anyone know how many 12 inch electro culture pipes would be needed for a raised bed that's 4 ft × 2 ft × 1ft.

I'll be honest and admit up front that I have no clue what electro culture pipes are. So, I asked Microsoft Copilot AI your question and this is the response I got back:

***********************
To determine the number of 12-inch electro-culture pipes needed for a raised bed that's 4 ft × 2 ft × 1 ft, let's consider the following:

### Calculation:
1. **Convert dimensions to inches** (since the pipes are measured in inches):
- 4 feet = 48 inches
- 2 feet = 24 inches
- 1 foot = 12 inches

2. **Spacing of Pipes**:
- For optimal coverage, electro-culture pipes are typically spaced 12 to 24 inches apart.

### Estimation:
- For a 4 ft (48 inches) length and 2 ft (24 inches) width, if we space the pipes 12 inches apart, we would need pipes running both lengthwise and widthwise.

#### Lengthwise:
- 48 inches / 12 inches = 4 pipes

#### Widthwise:
- 24 inches / 12 inches = 2 pipes

### Total Number of Pipes:
- **Lengthwise**: 4 pipes
- **Widthwise**: 2 pipes
- **Total**: 4 + 2 = 6 pipes

So, you would need approximately **6 electro-culture pipes** spaced 12 inches apart for a raised bed that's 4 ft × 2 ft × 1 ft.

If you have more questions or need further assistance, just let me know!
*****************************

Did that help? Sounds like some kind of grid system.

Since I had no idea what you were talking about, I asked Copilot what electro culture pipes are used for in a raised bed?

The response:
***********************
Electro-culture pipes, often made of materials like copper or zinc, are used in raised beds to harness natural atmospheric energy and enhance plant growth. Here are some benefits and uses:

### Benefits:
1. **Increased Yields**: Electro-culture can amplify plant yields by providing additional energy to the plants.
2. **Pest Reduction**: It can help reduce pest infestations, potentially reducing the need for pesticides.
3. **Improved Soil Health**: The energy can increase soil magnetism, leading to more nutrients and better soil health.
4. **Climate Resilience**: It can help plants withstand frost and excessive heat.
5. **Reduced Irrigation Needs**: Plants may require less water due to improved moisture retention in the soil.

### Uses:
- **Antennas**: Electro-culture pipes can be used as antennas to capture natural energy from the atmosphere. These antennas are typically placed in the soil of the raised bed.
- **Enhanced Growth**: The energy captured by the pipes can promote stronger plant growth and healthier crops.

Would you like more information on how to set up electro-culture in your raised bed?
******************************

Have you used electro-culture in your raised beds? I understand things like compost, soil PH, fertilizers, and hügelkultur logs as water retention batteries. But using copper or zinc pipes used in raised beds to harness natural atmospheric energy and enhance plant growth seems pretty far out on the fringe to me.

And here I thought hügelkultur raised beds was pretty far out on the edges...

I would love to hear more about your experience with the electro-culture pipes if you use them in your gardens. Like I said, I have never heard of that before your post.

 

[gtaus]

I have seen that method in a few episodes of Homestead Rescue. It's what really intrigued me into wanting to get into the realm of hugelkultre system.

I evolved into the hügelkultur system over a number of years. I had lots of wood logs that were just rotting in a stack. Old wood is the best. But every summer we get at least one windstorm that knocks down a few trees in my yard, and I have to do something with those fallen trees. Also, I'm into using grass clippings, leaves, and other organics to use as filler in the hügelkultur raised beds and as compost litter for the chicken run.

We had a drought summer a few years ago. I did not have running water in my main garden. All my in-ground plants dried out and died. My non-hügelkultur raised beds dried out and died as well. Everything died except the plants in my hügelkultur raised beds. They made it through the summer and produced maybe 60-70% of a normal crop that year. Since then, I have been a big advocate for hügelkultur raised beds and that is all I build now.

 

[akroberts1085]

I evolved into the hügelkultur system over a number of years. I had lots of wood logs that were just rotting in a stack. Old wood is the best. But every summer we get at least one windstorm that knocks down a few trees in my yard, and I have to do something with those fallen trees. Also, I'm into using grass clippings, leaves, and other organics to use as filler in the hügelkultur raised beds and as compost litter for the chicken run.

We had a drought summer a few years ago. I did not have running water in my main garden. All my in-ground plants dried out and died. My non-hügelkultur raised beds dried out and died as well. Everything died except the plants in my hügelkultur raised beds. They made it through the summer and produced maybe 60-70% of a normal crop that year. Since then, I have been a big advocate for hügelkultur raised beds and that is all I build now.

I have heard that electro culture is a good thing for your plants. It can be used in raised beds and also in the ground. I have also heard that the taller the stakes are the less of them you need to use. I will let you know how it goes and if I think it's worth it.

 

[Sally PB]

I have heard that electro culture is a good thing for your plants. It can be used in raised beds and also in the ground. I have also heard that the taller the stakes are the less of them you need to use. I will let you know how it goes and if I think it's worth it.

Please post some pictures of your set up too. Good luck; I want to hear about this.

 

[akroberts1085]

Please post some pictures of your set up too. Good luck; I want to hear about this.

I will. I read that a couple used the EC pipes for their garden and in some areas it worked great and some not so much. I purchased some copper wire and I have some PVC pipe, although it's not even 4 ft tall, I am going to try using it anyway and I will post pictures and try to write down as much of the experience as I can then I will add pictures and details.

 

[gtaus]

I have heard that electro culture is a good thing for your plants. It can be used in raised beds and also in the ground. I have also heard that the taller the stakes are the less of them you need to use. I will let you know how it goes and if I think it's worth it.

Fair enough. I don't want to discount any method just because I have never used it. Looking forward to your findings.

 

[akroberts1085]

I watched a YouTube video and the man shows making them but nothing else. I have so much PVC pipe laying around because I was going to use it for a green beans/ cucumber/ pea tunnel but now I am so intrigued by the electro culture method that I will just have to get more PVC pipe for my tunnel. He didn't use PVC but instead I think he used bamboo sticks

 

[akroberts1085]

I will try to draw a picture of the tunnel. During typing about it my light bulb lit up like a Christmas tree. I'm going to try to put it on paper then post it here. Hopefully everyone will get the gist because my drawing rather sucks