Permaculture

Permaculture is more than just gardening; it's a fulfilling journey into sustainable living. By embracing permaculture, you're not only growing your own fresh, organic food, but you're also creating a thriving ecosystem right in your backyard. It’s about working with nature, using resources wisely, and making a positive impact on the environment. Permaculture offers a way to live more harmoniously with the earth while reaping the benefits of a lush, productive garden. Let's explore the inspiring world of permaculture together!

Permaculture Guide

Your Permaculture Expert...

Rachel is here to teach you how to create your own unique edible landscape design. She'll show you how to work within your local ecosystem and existing resources to save you time and money. Get the look and feel of an ornamental landscape whilst growing a ton of food using time tested permaculture principals at the same time...

Rachel graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2003 with a B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design and received her Permaculture Consultant certificate in 2010. Along with teaching others everything there is to know about permaculture and landscape design, she also runs a successful edible and ecological landscape design business. Her unique design style blends ornamental and permaculture landscape techniques for clients in and around Madison, WI as well as virtually... Learn more here.

The Permaculture Basics

Here are the basics of permaculture. Keep scrolling down to find hundreds of expert permaculture Q&As sent in by site visitors and readers over the years...

What exactly is permaculture?

Permaculture is a way of designing your garden or living space to work in harmony with nature. Instead of fighting against natural processes, you use them to your advantage. It's about creating sustainable systems that take care of the earth, people, and share resources fairly.

How do I start with permaculture in my garden?

Start by observing your space. Notice where the sun hits, how water flows, and what plants are thriving naturally. From there, you can begin small by planting a few native or edible plants that suit your environment, or by setting up a compost bin.

Do I need a big space to practice permaculture?

Not at all! Permaculture can be practiced on any scale, whether you have a large yard, a small garden, or even just a balcony. It's all about maximizing the space you have and using it wisely to grow food, conserve water, and support local wildlife.

What are permaculture zones and why are they important?

Permaculture zones are a way to organize your space based on how often you'll need to visit each area. For example, plants that need daily care should be closest to your home (Zone 1), while things like compost piles can be further away (Zone 3). This helps you manage your space more efficiently.

How can I improve my soil naturally using permaculture?

Permaculture encourages building healthy soil through composting, mulching, and using organic matter like leaves or grass clippings. You can also grow cover crops that add nutrients back into the soil, making it richer and more fertile over time.

What role does water play in permaculture?

Water is vital in permaculture. The goal is to manage it wisely, so you're not wasting a drop. This might mean collecting rainwater, setting up a drip irrigation system, or planting in ways that retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for extra watering.

Can I incorporate animals into my permaculture garden?

Absolutely! Animals like chickens or bees can play a significant role in permaculture. Chickens can help with pest control and fertilization, while bees support pollination. It’s all about creating a balanced system where every element, including animals, contributes to the whole.

How do I deal with pests naturally in permaculture?

Permaculture favors natural pest control methods, like encouraging beneficial insects, planting pest-repelling herbs, or using companion planting strategies. It’s about creating a healthy ecosystem where pests are managed without the need for chemicals.

What are some easy permaculture practices I can start with?

Begin with composting kitchen scraps, setting up a rain barrel, or planting a small herb garden. These are simple steps that get you started on your permaculture journey and make your space more sustainable right away.

How does permaculture benefit the environment?

Permaculture helps reduce waste, conserve water, and create habitats for wildlife. By working with nature instead of against it, you're helping to restore natural ecosystems, reduce your carbon footprint, and contribute to a healthier planet.

Recommended Permaculture Books

If you're looking for some of the most popular books about permaculture, we recommend adding the following to your library...

Permaculture Q&A's...

Hundreds of permaculture Q&A's that our newsletter readers & site visitors have sent in over the years, answered by our experts...

Permaculture, Plant Systems

“Hey there! I’m starting a permaculture garden in an area that’s been dealing with some serious

How Does Permaculture Choose Drought-Resistant Plants?

Animal Integration, Permaculture

“I’m working on restoring a small piece of land that’s been pretty heavily degraded—lots of compacted

How Do Animals Assist With Land Restoration In Permaculture?

Permaculture, Renewable Energy

“I’ve been working on implementing permaculture techniques in my backyard garden, but I’m looking for ways

How Does Permaculture Help Reduce Energy Consumption?

Community Permaculture, Permaculture

“Hey there! We’ve started getting into permaculture on our small family farm just outside of Denver.

How Does Permaculture Build Community Resilience?

Permaculture, Permaculture Economics

“I’m starting with permaculture in my small community in Northern Ireland. We’ve been having discussions about

How Does Permaculture Create Alternative Economic Models?

Permaculture, Renewable Energy

“My partner and I just bought a small piece of land on the outskirts of Dublin,

How Does Permaculture Design For Energy Independence?

Permaculture, Permaculture Design

“I’ve been working on my small community garden here in Calgary, and we’ve just started embracing

How Does Permaculture Design Facilitate Education?

Permaculture, Permaculture Water Management

“I recently moved to a rural property where I’m trying to create a self-sustaining permaculture garden.

How Does Permaculture Combine Aquaculture With Water Management?

Permaculture, Permaculture Principles

“I’ve just moved to a small homestead outside of Wellington, New Zealand and I’m interested in

How Can Permaculture Principles Be Applied To Waste Management?

Permaculture, Permaculture Waste Reduction

“My husband and I have just bought a small house in a suburb of Auckland, New

How Can Permaculture Reduce Waste From Energy Use?

Climate & Soil, Permaculture

“I’m new to permaculture and have just bought a beautiful piece of land in Southern Ontario,

How Can I Manage Heavy Clay Soil Using Permaculture Techniques?

Permaculture, Plant Systems

“I recently started dabbling in permaculture on my little plot of land here in Christchurch, and

How Do Plant Guilds Contribute To Permaculture Success?

Permaculture, Permaculture Economics

“I’ve been practicing permaculture on my small farm for a few years now, and I’m increasingly

How Does Permaculture Address Economic Inequality?

Permaculture, Permaculture Design

“I’ve been experimenting with permaculture on my small plot of land in the urban outskirts of

How Does Permaculture Design Enhance Resilience?

Animal Integration, Permaculture

“Hey, I’ve got a bit of a dilemma on my hands. I’m living in Toronto, Canada,

How Can Small Animals Be Used In Permaculture Systems?

Permaculture, Permaculture Principles

“I’ve been trying my hand at permaculture gardening for a few years now, but I never

How Can Permaculture Help Reduce Climate Impact?

Permaculture, Renewable Energy

“I’m working on designing a permaculture garden in my backyard here in New Hampshire. I’ve already

How Does Permaculture Ensure Energy Efficiency In Designs?

Community Permaculture, Permaculture

“Hi there, I’ve been thinking about how to bring our neighborhood closer together and improve our

How Does Permaculture Address Various Community Challenges?

Permaculture, Renewable Energy

“I’ve started implementing some permaculture techniques in my garden here in South Brisbane, but I’m having

How Does Permaculture Balance Renewable Energy With Energy Needs?

Permaculture, Permaculture Economics

“I’ve recently started incorporating more permaculture principles into my small business where I sell homemade jams,

How Does Permaculture Add Value To Products?

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