Saturday, March 30, 9 a.m., 914 White Beach Road

Hugelkultur is a composting method that uses large pieces of rotting wood as the centerpiece for long-term humus building decomposition. Sound intriguing? Workshop host Learner Limbach, says “this class is going to be really cool!”

Tim Forbes, with 40 years of traditional and non-traditional building experience ranging from Japanese joinery to timber framing and wooden boats, will present the workshop. The decomposition process takes place below ground, while at the same time allowing you to cultivate the raised, or sunken hugelkultur bed. This allows the plants to take advantage of nutrients released during decomposition.

Hugelkultur, in its infinite variations, has been developed and practiced by key permaculture proponents such as Sepp Holzer and Masanobu Fukuoka for decades.

Benefits of Hugelkultur are:

  • Water Retension
  • Waste Management
  • Soil Life
    • Fungus, Bacteria, Mycelia
    • Bacterial Springs, Minerals
    • Productive Crops
  • Time Stacking

Schedule for the day includes:

  • 9 – 11:30 a.m. Sign and Introductions. Walk about the property to see and discuss various Hugelkultur techniques.
  • 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Hands-on Hugelkultur building.
  • 1 p.m. Potluck lunch (Please bring a dish).
  • Those who wish are welcome to stay after lunch for more hands-on.

Class size is limited, so please pre-register by contacting Learner at 376-4048, or foodmasters.orcas@gmail.com. Registration fee is $35.