Permaculture
Designing a homestead that works with the land: guilds, water flow, perennials, and systems that need less of you every year.
8 resources, reviewed and organized by SteadScape.
Permaculture guides and articles
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What Do You See? How to Use the Power of Observation in Permaculture Site Design
Observation is a crucial initial step in permaculture site design, allowing individuals to align their design goals with the ecological characteristics of their land. The article emphasizes the importance of both passive and active observations, with a focus on passive techniques that engage all senses to gather data about the landscape. It advocates for a thorough year-long observation period to understand seasonal changes and resource patterns before making any permanent design decisions. The author shares personal experiences illustrating how careful observation can lead to better design choices, such as recognizing the value of existing spaces over new constructions. The practical takeaway is that by observing deeply and patiently, one can create a more harmonious and productive relationship with their land.
6 Reasons to Grow Borage in the Permaculture Garden
Borage, a drought-tolerant herb with blue-purple flowers, is a valuable addition to permaculture gardens due to its numerous benefits. It is edible, with young leaves and flowers offering a mild cucumber flavor, making it a delightful garnish for various dishes. Borage attracts pollinators, providing essential nectar for bees and other beneficial insects, while also serving as a chop-and-drop mulch that enriches the soil and suppresses weeds. The plant is easy to grow, self-sows, and prefers poor soil conditions. Additionally, it acts as a nutrient accumulator, enhancing soil health. By incorporating borage into their gardens, readers can improve biodiversity, soil quality, and food production with minimal effort.
Two Examples: Using Permaculture in City Spaces with Urban Food Forests
The article discusses the concept of urban food forests as a practical application of permaculture principles in city environments. It highlights two specific examples: the Sherrett Food Forest in Portland, Oregon, and the Beacon Food Forest in Seattle, Washington. These community-driven initiatives showcase how urban spaces can be transformed into productive ecosystems that support local food production while promoting ecological health. The Sherrett Food Forest, initiated by students of permaculture expert Toby Hemenway, has evolved from a barren lot into a vibrant space filled with diverse edible plants, demonstrating effective pest management and community engagement through programs like community-supported agriculture. The article emphasizes the importance of permaculture ethics, including Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share, in fostering sustainable urban agriculture. Readers can learn how to implement similar practices in their own communities to enhance local food systems and ecological resilience.
How to Create a Permaculture Food Forest
A permaculture food forest is an innovative gardening approach that emphasizes the cultivation of edible perennials in a layered ecosystem, mimicking natural forest structures. This article explores the concept of food forests, detailing their historical significance and ecological benefits, such as improved soil health and biodiversity. It contrasts food forests with traditional orchards, highlighting the advantages of diverse plant layers that reduce maintenance and pest issues. The article provides practical insights into creating a food forest, including examples of suitable plants for different layers, and encourages readers to consider the long-term sustainability and legacy of their gardening practices. Ultimately, it serves as a guide for those interested in establishing a productive and low-maintenance edible landscape.
How to Build a Permaculture Fruit Tree Guild
A fruit tree guild is a permaculture technique that enhances biodiversity and yields by grouping plants around a central fruit tree. This article explains the concept of fruit tree guilds, which mimic natural ecosystems by planting supportive plants that can repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and provide nutrients. It discusses how to size guilds based on available space, with examples such as the apple tree guild, which includes plants like daffodils and garlic chives to suppress grass and repel wildlife. The article emphasizes the importance of observation and adaptation, encouraging readers to tweak their guilds according to specific site conditions. Overall, it serves as a beginner's guide to creating a low-maintenance, productive garden system through the use of fruit tree guilds.
How to Develop a Permaculture Site in Phases
The article provides a comprehensive guide on how to develop a permaculture site in phases, emphasizing the importance of planning and prioritization. It begins by highlighting the necessity of making observations about the land and creating a master plan that reflects the homesteader's goals. The author outlines a structured approach to breaking down the development process into manageable phases, ensuring that each element, such as water sources and garden design, is addressed in a logical order. The article includes exercises to help readers identify major considerations and emergent factors that may influence their plans. By following these steps, homesteaders can avoid common pitfalls and create a productive and efficient permaculture system over time. The practical takeaway is that careful planning and phased development can lead to a successful and sustainable homestead.
6 Maps to Draw for Creating Your Own Permaculture Site Design
Creating a permaculture site design involves drawing six essential maps that help visualize and plan the layout for an efficient and low-maintenance garden or landscape. These maps include the base map, sun map, sector map, zone map, master plan, and water map, each serving a unique purpose in the design process. The article emphasizes the importance of these maps in understanding the site’s characteristics and making informed decisions about component placement. It also discusses the option of hiring a professional designer versus creating maps independently, highlighting that both methods can yield valuable insights. Ultimately, the article encourages readers to engage in the mapping process to enhance their permaculture designs, regardless of their starting point. The practical takeaway is that drawing these maps is a crucial step in developing a successful permaculture site.
8 Reasons to Grow Perennial Sunflowers in the Permaculture Garden
Perennial sunflowers are highlighted as valuable additions to permaculture gardens due to their multifunctional benefits. With a rich history of use by Native Americans, these plants not only enhance biodiversity but also provide edible seeds and tubers, making them a practical choice for self-reliant gardeners. They thrive in full sun and can grow quite tall, requiring careful planning for their placement. The article outlines eight compelling reasons to incorporate perennial sunflowers, including their edibility, deer resistance, and ability to create hedgerows. These attributes make them an ecological powerhouse that contributes to a sustainable gardening system. Readers are encouraged to consider perennial sunflowers for their gardens to improve both aesthetics and functionality.