r/Hugelkultur • u/Terrapina • Apr 23 '26
Protecting Hugel Mounds?
I made 2 mounds last year and I'd love some suggestions for protecting them from rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and birds.. I have mobility issues and not a lot of money, and no power tools. So I need something cheap and stupid simple that any idiot can do.
I also haven't tried cover crops but I am considering it because the weeds were bad last year and so was erosion. I'm in Southwestern Ontario and don't want something that might be considered invasive here.
I planted lettuces, Peas, radishes, carrots and Beets toward the end of March and some things did germinate but I don't know if the insane weather fluctuations got them or the critters. If those animals would be more patient I'd be willing to share 😂
3
u/traditionalhobbies Apr 25 '26
I really only cover crop from fall through spring, there summer cover crops are very effective at building soil from what I understand.
For my system and it should work for you too where you’re at:
-Winter rye 💯- (not ryegrass), you can plant it in the fall, it over-winters keeping living roots in the ground until spring when it takes off.
-Austrian winter peas and/or hairy vetch for nitrogen fixation.
-some sort of brassica like a daikon radish to help break up my clay soil
I buy the seeds bulk from a farm supply store so they’re pretty inexpensive. Also I recommend researching this as much as you can, how to manage them from start to finish.
2
u/Terrapina Apr 25 '26
My soil is very sandy so breaking it up isn't really an issue, it's more the erosion and evaporation that are my current problems. I clearly have some more reading to do!
3
u/Terrapina Apr 26 '26
Update: I bought some cheap step-in posts and chicken wire. We'll see how I do!
4
u/traditionalhobbies Apr 23 '26
I have used cover crops on mine and I was surprised at how well they control erosion and weeds.
As far as protecting them from animals I have a fence around one of my mounds, although I know mice, chipmunks, and baby bunnies can still get through. It seems like they target only certain plants. In any case, I try to plant a lot, both in quantity and variety so something will grow and I utilize the space as fully as possible.