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…
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…
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…
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.…
As gardeners, we are always looking for ways to keep our growing as natural as possible, and part of that is finding ways to improve the soil without using chemical fertilizers. Wood is about as natural a product as you can get, so gardeners with access to wood, wood chips, and sawdust may see this…
For some, red clover might be seen as an invasive weed overgrowing some of their favorite plants and lawn space, while others, particularly homesteaders, might grow this herbal supplement intentionally to take advantage of its medicinal, cover crop and nitrogen fixing properties. A question both of these parties might have then is whether red clover…
Monoculture is one of those practices many people consider one of the most harmful human activities, yet think it will solve the growing need for food. On the other hand, Permaculture is a lesser-known agricultural practice, which many people believe is a great means to address the global environmental crisis. So, what are the differences?…
Bamboos are the easiest to grow on your homestead as they don’t have a lot of requirements. As long as the ground is fertile and the climate is neither too cold nor too hot, you’re good to go. One thing you can be certain about is how fast they grow. There are different species and…
A common gardener's dilemma is how to grow an edible garden in the shade. During my arduous gardening journey, I learned a few cardinal rules to follow if you want to cultivate a productive garden in less-than-ideal circumstances. So, if you find yourself in my shoes, don’t despair, there is an array of beautiful plants…
Completing a hügelkultur bed is a huge undertaking and should be something you are proud of. As you want people to see your new creation, you want it to look pretty and be functional. So what are some plants you can plant in your hügelkultur beds? If you want to plant biennials, go for Black-eyed…
Permaculture homesteads and gardens offer numerous methods for cultivating edible and ornamental plants. Among these, the espalier technique stands out as a unique method for training plants to grow in specific patterns along vertical or horizontal planes. This age-old practice not only enhances garden aesthetics but also maximizes space and productivity. In this post, we'll…
There are many techniques you can use to grow plants and vegetables successfully, and your chosen method will mostly depend on the space you have available for your garden and the conditions you're growing in. So how does hügelkultur work, and is it the right gardening choice for you? Hügelkultur is a permaculture method of…
Growing your own food means that you will always know what you are eating, where the food has come from, and that the produce is toxin-free! These days there are so many ways that you can grow your own produce, from caring for a few small pots on your balcony to running a farm or…
The food forest is a relatively new concept in the United States, and many people think that forests and food forests are the same. So, what is the difference between a forest and a food forest? Food forests are man-made forests that are specifically made to grow food. They have 8 layers and are designed…
Often when I have tried to quickly explain to someone what a swale is a question sometimes gets asked: "what's the difference between a swale and a ditch?" Swales and ditches are similar in a few ways, it is often said about swales that they are ditches on contour. That is true but this fact…
A backyard food forest can be a wonderful long-term addition to any permaculture homestead. However, many avoid starting one because they believe it will take too long to establish and obtain a productive yield. So how long does it take to grow a food forest? For a food forest to reach full maturity at every…
Small yards are not an excuse to not pursue your homesteading dreams. You can do a lot in a small space and in an urban environment. This property tour is about 5 years into our homesteading journey, recorded in 2018, and even though we are several years past this now, it shows the possibilities. Watch…
Aquaculture at its core, is simply the practice of farming aquatic plants and animals, like fish, in water-based environments. If you're familiar with permaculture, you already know it's about creating sustainable, resilient systems that work with nature rather than against it. Well, aquaculture fits beautifully into that picture! Let’s dive into what aquaculture is, and…
Known as "The Father of Permaculture" Born: May 4, 1928 - Died: September 24 2016 Bill Mollison was an Australian researcher, author, scientist, teacher and biologist. He founded The Permaculture Institute in Tasmania, and created the education system to train others under the umbrella of permaculture. His key works on permaculture formed the basis for…
