What is permaculture gardening? It is an intelligent design system that emulates nature in order to create sustainable, high-yield gardens. It is about having a holistic approach to the development of an ecosystem where plants, animals, and human beings work in harmony with each other to get their needs met. Adding permaculture to your garden not only boosts your yield, it also supports Nature in giving you the best it has to offer.

Benefits of Permaculture Gardening

A garden developed using permaculture is designed to be self-sufficient in order to minimize dependence on fertilizers, pesticides, and other external inputs. You'll enjoy more abundant and nutrient-dense produce, and you'll increase the resilience of your family's food supply.

By supporting a diverse ecosystem, permaculture gardens improve soil health and develop habitats for beneficial insects and wildlife. Biodiversity plays an important role in sustaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem.

What is permaculture gardening? It is the application of a system that can be quite productive, yielding a high amount of food and other resources with very little effort. Productivity in a permaculture garden is possible through efficient design, companion planting, and other permaculture techniques.

Permaculture systems withstand environmental challenges such as drought and infestation by pests and diseases. This is because there is the creation of diverse ecosystems which are then interconnected.

It can help a person build a sense of community and relatedness with all things natural. Establishing and tending such 'sustainable' gardens brings people together in a very positive way, fostering relationships and an appreciation for the environment.

What is Permaculture Gardening: The Basics

1. Learn the Essentials:

a. Read books and articles: Learn about permaculture principles and methods before digging.

b. Watch videos: See what permaculture looks and feels like, and learn from others with experience. My youtube channel features a series of videos from my desert permaculture demonstration project.

c. Attend workshops: Join in hands-on training and network with other permaculture enthusiasts.

2. Observe Your Site:

a. Assess sunlight: Get an idea of how much sun your property gets at different parts of the day.

b. Analyze soil: Check the pH, nutrient content, and drainage of your soil.

c. Identify water sources: Consider how much rainwater or well water may be available.

3. Plan Your Garden:

a. Design: Map out your garden, locating all plants, paths, and structures.

b. Add permaculture elements: Companion planting, guilding, succession planting.

c. Consider microclimates: Consider the variations within your garden in terms of sunlight, wind, and soil.

4. Start Small:

a. Don't take on too much at first: Begin with a limited area of the property and expand from there.

b. Try New Plants: Gradually experiment with types of vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees but do your research to know ahead of shopping what works in your climate.

c. Expand Gradually: As you gain experience and build confidence, expand the garden space.

5. Experiment and Adapt:

a. Don't be afraid to make mistakes: Accept the challenges and opportunities that come from mistakes made.

b. Observe and adapt: Constantly be observant of how your new garden is progressing and then make adjustments as needed.

c. Share knowledge: Network with other permaculture gardeners and share experiences. My program Permaculture Mastery includes a community - you can check it out HERE.

Permaculture gardening is a rewarding and sustainable approach to growing your own food and connected with Nature. By incorporating even some of the above steps, you can create a thriving garden that will not only support your family but also the planet.