Urban

Regenerative

Agriculture

Deep Mulch/Dry Farming Gardening Method:
A Sustainable Solution

God’s Garden, an organic deep mulch dry farm in Portland, OR, exemplifies the potential of sustainable, resource-efficient gardening. Located on a half-acre urban lot in the Cully neighborhood, this innovative garden produces an average of 1,000 pounds of food annually since its inception in 2015—without irrigation or fertilizers.

Key Features of the Deep Mulch/Dry Farming Method

  1. Arborist Mix Wood Chips

    • The garden relies solely on arborist mix wood chips, a local, sustainable waste product that naturally enhances soil fertility as it decomposes.

  2. Carbon Sequestration

    • Deep mulch fixes carbon in the soil, simultaneously improving fertility and water retention.

  3. Improved Moisture-Holding Capacity

    • Enhanced soil moisture retention leads to reduced runoff, minimizing stress on urban sewer systems during heavy rains.

    • Enables plants to thrive in summer heat without irrigation.

Environmental and Community Benefits

  • Food Production: Demonstrates the feasibility of growing abundant produce with minimal inputs.

  • Ecosystem Support: Contributes to pollinator habitats and biodiversity.

  • Carbon Sequestration: Mitigates climate change by storing carbon in the soil.

  • Air and Water Quality: Improves air purification and water conservation.

  • Resilience and Sustainability: Reduces reliance on external resources, making it a model for sustainable urban farming.

A Win-Win for People and Nature

God’s Garden highlights the symbiosis between humans and the natural world. The method benefits gardeners through food production and environmental health while fostering a thriving ecosystem that supports wildlife and enhances urban resilience.

Get Inspired and Start Your Deep Mulch Garden

Whether on an abandoned lot, a parking strip, your backyard, or elsewhere, deep mulch dry farming is an accessible and sustainable gardening practice. Start experimenting and become part of a movement that strengthens communities and ecosystems alike.