What’s a “Wattle”?

A “wattle” is an medieval fence using natural materials to create a fence, animal pen, raised bed, or even a simple structure. It is made by weaving vines, and branches around a series of stakes or poles. We are using it to create a raised bed outside of our fence to grow sweet potatoes, taro, and jimaca.

Wattles are created by weaving branches and vines between poles.

We will fill this raised bed with twigs (also called Hügelkultur), as well as leaves and compost.

This year we may leave the existing blue barrels full of compost for planting. The goal is to completely cover them.

Wednesday and Thursday bring some cooler weather (lows about 40 degrees), then an early spring is predicted for the next two weeks. Friday and the weekend might be a good time to plant tomatoes and any other spring crops…it’s best to get an early start!

Finally, potatoes are beginning to emerge…be prepared to add mulch or compost to “hill” them in order to get the best crop.

2 thoughts on “What’s a “Wattle”?”

You learn something new every day! I always thought a Wattle was: Acacia pycnantha, most commonly known as the golden wattle, – native to southeastern Australia. The reason I know this is because “This here’s a Wattle the emblem of our land you can stick it in a bottle you can hold it in your hand” : note 2:40 here: