The German (or 'Magic') mound is a method of composting, especially woody garden wastes, such as prunings, hedge clippings, brassica stems, brashwood.
It involves digging a circular trench about 1 inch deep and 5 inches wide, in its centre is dug another 1-inch-deep hole into which the rough material is piled. Turves are then stacked face-down onto this pile, then layers of compost, well rotted leaves, manure, etc. are added. The layers gradually break down slowly releasing nutrients and creating rich humus over four or five years; this is ideal for growing hungry crops such as courgettes or strawberries.