Domesticated animals are a common sight in permaculture systems. But is it possible to practice permaculture without animals? Fortunately, the answer is an emphatic ‘yes’! Permaculture systems can be designed and managed without domesticated animals. Plant-based strategies can fulfill the same functions usually performed by animals in permaculture systems, including processing organic wastes, providing soil…
Using natural organic methods sounds idyllic, learning to work with nature rather than fight against it. Yes, co-habituating with deer, squirrels, and aphids means accepting that some food will have bites in it and the occasional plant destroyed. But it is fine––until the mosquitoes arrive. Those bloodsuckers make life so uncomfortable you begin rethinking your…
Living off-grid is a noble goal. Choosing technologies and equipment to achieve this can feel a little bit like jumping off a cliff with no rope or safety net below. This article will assist you in making informed choices regarding the most efficient and affordable solar panels. Efficiency, cost, appearance & durability are used to…
The public perception is that food grown organically is much healthier, and organic farming is more environmentally friendly. Organic agriculture differs significantly from conventional agriculture, which brings both advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantages of organic farming are it is labor-intensive, sensitive to economic decline, requires more planning, and can’t benefit from synthetic chemicals. The advantages…
Agroforestry and permaculture are distinct but complementary approaches. These approaches aim to create sustainable relations between people and nature. Though closely related, agroforestry and permaculture are not the same. Agroforestry is a specific agricultural approach that combines trees with perennial and annual plants and livestock to create synergistic, integrated production zones. Permaculture is principally a…
Water is by far the most valuable resource in a Permaculture Garden. There are no gardens, no grazing, no trees, and hence no sustainability on any farm or homestead if there is no water. Harvesting, diverting, storing, and reusing as much water as possible is usually emphasized in permaculture design, whether above or below ground…
Some people are envious of homesteaders living the dream. All they see are beautiful sunsets, cute chicks, ducklings, and calves. Other folks wrinkle their foreheads in horror, their nostrils somehow seem to curl, and they gasp in sympathy, disbelief, and confusion at the poor deranged individuals who choose to be homesteaders. So what is the…
So, you’ve adopted the philosophy of permaculture and are working with nature in the management of your homestead. You thoughtfully observe what’s happening on the land and see how everything works together to be self-sustaining. Well, what could be more natural than urine, right? Urine can be used in permaculture as a nitrogen boost for…
Harvesting fresh greens in the heart of winter, or anytime really, right from your kitchen, is a wonderful feeling. Growing microgreens is an easy and productive way to have a kitchen (permaculture zone zero) garden. While there are a few ways to grow microgreens in your kitchen, I have found the best way is by…
When you're trying to decide what food to grow on your homestead there are a few things to consider. You should always plant things that grow well in your zone, will provide an abundant production, and above all it should be something you enjoy eating. So let's consider the Goji Berry. Goji berries are a…
There seems to be a great amount of interest about learning permaculture these days. It also seems that many people who practice permaculture want to send people who inquire about it to permaculture design courses to get their education about permaculture. While I think there is certainly a time and place for many to take…
It is easy and cheap to make your bloom booster fertilizer at home. There is no need to purchase costly fertilizer products from garden stores because you can make a superior quality fertilizer - fermented fruit juice (FFJ) - for pennies on the dollar. Fermented fruit juice (FFJ) is an effective homemade bloom booster containing…
One of the most taxing aspects of composting is turning the pile. Enter the compost tumbler. These devices make turning your organic waste into compost much simpler. By allowing air to enter the system, you improve the rate of decomposition. However, once in, how do you get the compost out again? Here is a quick…
Many gardeners have experienced the disappointment of harvesting tiny squash from plants they've spent months growing and caring for. Luckily, there are ways to ensure that your plants produce larger squash. Squash doesn't reach their full potential size when grown in compacted, slow-draining, nutrient-poor soil and when they don't receive adequate amounts of heat, sunlight,…
In permaculture design, it's important to take a holistic view, examining the broader picture and larger patterns before we hone in on the details. When we talk about sectors and about zones in permaculture, this is our way of clarifying the patterns we see around us. This is how we use those patterns to inform…
The most common and simplest way to build a raised garden bed is with lumber. However, you may want to avoid using any wood that has been treated with harsh chemicals that can leach into the soil. The problem is that untreated wood doesn't last nearly as long for garden beds as treated wood. Treating…
There is nothing better than a freshly picked strawberry. They’re so juicy and sweet with just the right texture. The problem is, not everyone can have a garden full of tasty treats. Even if they could, it’s really hard to keep them growing and producing year-round. Whether from the store in those annoyingly difficult to…
The Honey Locust and the Black Locust are both considered invasive species of trees. The Honey locust, or Gleditsia triacanthos, is native to central North America, while the Black Locust, or Robinia pseudoacacia, is from a few small regions in the US. Both the Honey Locust and the Black Locust are members of the legume…
As more and more people wish to eat healthier, they get their green thumb dirty and try different gardening techniques. As you explore this field, you start researching and notice many farming practices you’ve never heard of before and don’t know how or if they interlink. Biodynamic farmers rely on astrological indicators for farming practices.…
Organic gardening has long been seen as a safe way of producing uncontaminated healthy food. With growing concern over a variety of pesticides containing harmful chemicals, a lot of people are turning toward organic pest control options like Diatomaceous Earth. But how safe is Diatomaceous Earth when it comes to gardening? Diatomaceous Earth is an…
