Hugelkultur: A Natural Cycle System with Many Functions
Hügelkultur is a centuries-old method that makes natural cycles visible and is a central part of permaculture. Whether in the city or the countryside: raised mounds show how we can create healthy, living ecosystems with minimal resources.
Hugelkultur in Urban Spaces: Cycles in the Heart of the City
In this example, we show you how to build an urban Hügelkultur bed on a tree pit in Hanover (for under €30!). This creates a natural cycle system from the city’s abundance, turning so-called waste into fertile soil.
Benefits of an Urban Hugelkultur Bed:
Space-saving and effective: Ideal for small areas like tree pits or unused urban zones.
Use of urban waste: Transforms organic garbage into fertile soil.
Community building: Encourages encounters and participation – a contribution to urban permaculture.
Why Hugelkultur in the City?
Hugelkultur uses organic materials such as wood, leaves, and compost, stacked into a mound. As they slowly decompose, they create nutrients, water storage, and microclimates – the foundation for healthy plants.
What has worked in rural areas for centuries can also thrive in the city, adapted to space, climate, and community.
Guide: Urban Hugelkultur Step by Step
1. Get permission
In many cities (such as Hanover), it is allowed to plant around street trees. Check with your local administration and obtain the necessary approval.
2. Gather materials
Use what the city provides: old pallets, wood, leaves, branches, or kitchen scraps.
This turns waste into a resource – true to permaculture principles.
3. Layering structure
First layer (logs): Foundation and long-term nutrient source.
Second layer (brown material): Cardboard, leaves, or branches as a carbon source.
Third layer (green material): Kitchen scraps or grass clippings as a nitrogen source.
Final layer (compost): Fine compost, covered with mulch or wood chips.
4. Choose plants
Opt for resilient plants that thrive in urban conditions: herbs, vegetables, or flowering perennials. This creates food, beauty – and a space for urban nature.
The Classic Hugelkultur Bed in Permaculture
Outside the city, Hügelkultur also has its firm place, especially in self-sufficiency gardens and permaculture projects.
Guide: Classic Hugelkultur Step by Step
Prepare a trench: 30–50 cm deep for a stable base and good water retention.
Layer logs and branches: Large logs as nutrient storage, branches for stability.
Add green material: Grass clippings or compost for nitrogen.
Soil & compost: High-quality soil forms the planting layer.
Mulch & plant: Retain moisture and plant directly.
The result: A long-lasting, self-regulating system that remains fertile for years.
Conclusion: Hugelkultur as a Tool for Change
Whether classic in the countryside or urban in the city – Hugelkultur is permaculture in action. It transforms waste into life, creates food, and fosters community. Especially in cities, where space and resources are limited, it can be the starting point for true regeneration.
Your Next Step Towards Permaculture
Want to learn more about how permaculture works in everyday life? Stay tuned for upcoming articles, tips, and practical examples on how you can bring regeneration and natural cycles into your own surroundings.
Follow along and be part of a growing movement for urban nature and sustainable living.