What Considerations Are Made For Plant Diversity In Permaculture?

“I’ve recently started a small permaculture garden in my backyard in Calgary. I’ve read about how important plant diversity is in permaculture, but I’m not exactly sure what that means in practice. What should I consider when choosing different plants for my garden to make sure I’m getting all the benefits of diversity? I’d love to hear any examples or tips you might have!” Thanks, John, Calgary, Canada.

I’m so glad you reached out, John! Plant diversity is a cornerstone of permaculture, and understanding the nuances of it can really elevate your gardening experience. Let’s get into the weeds—pun absolutely intended—on how you can make the most of plant diversity in your permaculture garden.

Why Plant Diversity Matters in Permaculture

First things first: why is plant diversity so important? Simply put, it’s nature’s way of creating a resilient, self-sustaining ecosystem. Diverse gardens mimic natural ecosystems, where a wide variety of plants work together to support each other. This symbiotic relationship keeps pests under control, promotes soil health, and ensures that your garden can better withstand diseases or extreme weather events.

In permaculture, plant diversity isn’t just about having lots of different plants; it’s about choosing plants that complement each other and the environment. This creates a balanced mini-ecosystem that requires less human intervention and is more sustainable over the long term.

Selecting Your Plant Species: Start with Observation

Before you even buy a single seedling, take some time to observe your garden space. In Calgary, where the climate can be quite varied, pay close attention to the microclimates within your garden. You might have sunny areas, shady spots, and everything in between. Notice what’s already growing there naturally—these plants can give you clues about what might thrive.

For instance, if you discover a patch where moisture tends to accumulate, that could be a great spot for wet-footed plants like mint or marsh marigolds. On the flip side, sun-drenched areas might be ideal for Mediterranean herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Companion Planting: The Ultimate Teamwork

Now that you’ve got a sense of your garden’s microclimates, let’s talk about companion planting. This is where plant diversity really starts to shine. The idea is to group plants together that benefit each other—sort of like matchmaking for your garden!

Classic examples include the Three Sisters: corn, beans, and squash. The corn provides a natural trellis for the climbing beans, the beans fix nitrogen in the soil to nourish the corn, and the squash sprawls across the ground, shading the soil and keeping it cool and moist.

But don’t just stick to the classics. If you’re growing tomatoes, consider pairing them with basil, which is believed to improve the flavor of tomatoes and deters some pests. Or, try planting carrots alongside onions—onions help repel carrot flies, and carrots break up the soil, making it easier for your onions to thrive.

John, think of your plants as little garden buddies—each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and by pairing them wisely, you can create a healthier, more productive garden.

Functional Diversity: More Than Just Pretty Flowers

When we talk about plant diversity, we’re not just aiming for a rainbow of colors in the garden—although that’s always a bonus! Functional diversity means including plants that have different roles in the garden, beyond just providing food.

Nitrogen Fixers

You’ll want to include legumes like peas, beans, and clover, which pull nitrogen from the air and “fix” it in the soil. This nourishes the plants around them and reduces your need for fertilizers.

Dynamic Accumulators

Dynamic accumulators are plants that dig their roots deep to pull up nutrients from the subsoil, making them available for others. Comfrey and dandelions are great examples, and their leaves can be used as nutrient-rich mulch.

Pollinator Attractors

Bringing in plants that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators is crucial in a permaculture garden. Consider adding flowers like sunflowers, lavender, and borage.

Groundcovers

Groundcovers like clover, creeping thyme, or even strawberries help protect the soil, keeping it moist and preventing weed growth. Groundcovers also contribute to a balanced microclimate at soil level.

Beneficial Insect Habitats

Including plants like dill, fennel, or yarrow can attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, that help keep pests at bay. Plus, fennel and dill often attract more than just insects—in Calgary, you know how precious every pollinator is, so why not roll out the green carpet for them?

Mixing plants with these different functions creates a synergistic effect that benefits the whole garden. And John, don’t be afraid to experiment! Each garden is unique, and you might find certain combinations work better in Calgary’s climate compared to others.

Seasonal Diversity: Keep Your Garden Productive Year-Round

A diverse garden isn’t just about what’s growing at any given moment—it’s also about what will thrive across the seasons. Calgary’s short growing season can be tricky, so it’s important to select plants that will give you a steady supply of food and soil health benefits throughout the year.

Spring Starters

Start with early-season plants like peas, radishes, and lettuces. These can handle cooler temperatures and will give you a jump-start on the growing season.

Summer Staples

As your spring crops finish, transition to summer crops like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and beans. Consider staggering your plantings to extend your harvest period.

Fall Finishers

Close out the season with cool-weather crops like kale, broccoli, and beets. These plants can often survive a light frost, giving you the last of the season’s bounty before the snow falls.

Beyond vegetables, think about adding perennials like rhubarb, asparagus, or berry bushes that will return year after year without much effort. These can act as the backbone of your garden’s plant diversity, offering reliability in a sometimes unpredictable growing climate.

Troubleshooting Plant Diversity: What to Look Out For

Of course, even with the best intentions, things can sometimes go awry. Here are a few challenges that might crop up (pun intended) and what you can do about them.

Unbalanced Competition

Sometimes, certain plants might overpower others, hogging resources, and leaving their companions “hungry.” This is particularly common in smaller gardens like what you might have in your Calgary backyard, John. Pay attention to how plants are interacting. If something seems stunted or crowded, consider moving plants around or giving them more space next time.

Pest Problems

While plant diversity generally helps with pest control, you might still face issues, especially if you’re gardening in an area with established pests. Aphids, for example, can be relentless. Try introducing more pest-repelling plants such as garlic, marigolds, or nasturtiums.

Soil Health Issues

If you notice that your plants are struggling despite diverse plantings, you might need to check your soil health. Over time, even a diverse garden can experience nutrient depletion. Regularly rotating crops and using cover crops or mulch can help maintain soil fertility.

Climate Challenges

Calgary’s unpredictable weather can sometimes throw a wrench in your planting plans. If a cold snap is on the way, consider covering tender plants to protect them, or focus on more cold-hardy species next season. Selecting plants that are native or well-adapted to your region can also mitigate these issues.

Integrating Animals: Enhancing Diversity Beyond Plants

If you’re open to it, consider adding animals to your permaculture garden. Chickens, ducks, and even bees can contribute to the diversity of your ecosystem. Chickens, for instance, can help with pest control and fertilize your garden while providing eggs. Bees, of course, are invaluable for pollination.

John, if you decide to partake in a “pet project,” make sure your garden can support this added layer. Animals need food, water, and shelter, and while the rewards can be substantial, the responsibilities are just as real.

Incorporating Wild Edges: Encouraging Native Species

Another way to increase plant diversity is by incorporating wild edges in your garden. Consider leaving a section of your garden a bit “wild,” allowing for native species to thrive. This approach benefits local wildlife, draws in beneficial insects, and can even introduce you to edible plants you wouldn’t normally consider.

Native plants are naturally adapted to your local climate and soil conditions, making them low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. This can be particularly useful in a city like Calgary, where water conservation is always a good idea.

Plus, there’s just something extra satisfying about knowing that your garden is contributing to the local ecology, from the smallest insects to the birds’ nests tucked into your trees.

Planning for the Future: Evolving Your Garden’s Diversity Over Time

One of the best parts about permaculture is that it’s a continual journey. Your garden won’t be perfect the first year, and that’s okay! As you experiment, learn, and adjust, your garden will become more diverse, resilient, and productive over time.

Each season is an opportunity to add new plants, adjust your layout, or fine-tune your companion planting. Keep a garden journal, jotting down what works, what doesn’t, and any ideas you want to try next season. Over time, you’ll develop a garden that’s uniquely suited to your own goals and climate.

And John, don’t be afraid to let your garden surprise you. Plant something new each year, just to see how it fits into your growing ecosystem. Sometimes the most unexpected plants end up becoming the stars of the show!

Final Thoughts…

Plant diversity really is the lifeblood of a thriving permaculture garden. By thoughtfully selecting a range of plants that work together—from functional companions to cool-weather crops—you’re setting yourself up for success. The guidelines above should help you start off on the right foot, but remember, your garden is an ongoing experiment. Keep observing, tweaking, and learning as you go, and you’ll be amazed at how much your little patch of earth can produce.

John, thanks for sending in your question. I hope these tips inspire you to get your hands dirty and enjoy the process of creating your own diverse, resilient garden! Keep at it, and happy planting!