Deep Mulch/Dry Farming Gardening Method

God’s Garden is an organic deep mulch dry farm located in Portland, OR, adjacent to Our Bible Speaks Community Seventh-day Adventist Church. The garden is one half acre and sits on an urban lot in the Cully neighborhood.

Since its creation in 2015, this garden has produced an average of 1,000 lbs of food per year without irrigation or fertilizer. The only input added to the garden every year is arborist mix wood chips -  a truly sustainable local waste product that creates fertility and abundance as it decays.

This gardening method fixes carbon in the soil creating fertility and improving the moisture-holding capacity of the soil at the same time. Improved moisture-holding capacity leads to less runoff and burden on our sewer system from heavy rains, and produces healthier plants that thrive during the heat of the summer with no irrigation.

God’s Garden is an inspiring example of what is possible with the intentional application of deep mulch in our region: food production, carbon sequestration, oxygen and air purification, water conservation, and creation of pollinator habitat.

This scenario epitomizes a win-win-win situation: it allows humans to interact with the natural world, benefiting not only our lives but also enhancing the lives of other creatures in our surroundings. Ultimately, it contributes to the overall health and sustainability of the entire ecosystem.

Get Inspired & Try it!

We hope that this garden inspires you to experiment with deep mulch dry farming, whether it be on an abandoned urban lot, a parking strip, in your own backyard, or anywhere in between!