If I build these this spring - can I also plant in them this spring? Or is there a time period of decomposing that needs to occur.

Thank you in advance.

Hi Suerhart,
I cannot help you with your question, but I think this article might give you an answer...
http://garden.org/ideas/view/d...

I somehow missed this thread! So I'm 3 days late.

I always plant my hugelkultur beds right away. It's good to get stuff growing in them right away. But just know that your bed won't be as productive the first year. Potatoes, onions and things like that are excellent for first year beds.