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...

Animal Integration, Permaculture

“I’ve been running a small permaculture project here in County Galway for a few years now,

How Does Permaculture Design Animal Rotation Systems?

Permaculture, Permaculture Waste Reduction

“I’ve been trying to shift my backyard garden into a more sustainable design, but I’m hitting

How Does Permaculture Create A Closed-Loop System?

Climate & Soil, Permaculture

“I’ve been hearing a lot about how degraded soils can be rejuvenated using permaculture. But honestly,

How Can Permaculture Help Restore Degraded Soils?

Permaculture, Renewable Energy

“Hi there! We’ve recently started a small permaculture farm on our property and we’re getting a

How Is Renewable Energy Used For Water Pumping In Permaculture?

Permaculture, Renewable Energy

“I’m gearing up to make my small urban backyard more self-sufficient and reduce my reliance on

How Does Permaculture Design For Energy Storage Solutions?

Permaculture, Plant Systems

“I’m planning on starting a permaculture garden on my small property in Victoria, British Columbia, and

How Does Permaculture Integrate Fruit Trees Into Landscapes?

Community Permaculture, Permaculture

“We’ve got a small community garden here in Victoria, Canada, and we’re trying to figure out

How Does Permaculture Contribute To Community Health?

Permaculture, Permaculture Design

“I live in a small apartment in Toronto with access to a balcony and a communal

How Does Permaculture Design Fit Urban Environments?

Animal Integration, Permaculture

“I have a small permaculture garden in Ballinrobe, Mayo, here in Ireland. After a bit of

How Do I Start Fish Farming Within A Permaculture System?

Permaculture, Renewable Energy

“I’ve been practicing permaculture in my backyard for a couple of years now, but I’m struggling

How Does Permaculture Incorporate Renewable Energy Sources?

Permaculture, Permaculture Water Management

“Hi, we just bought a property in Wales, and one of the biggest issues we have

How Does Permaculture Design Help With Flood Control?

Permaculture, Permaculture Principles

“I’m working on designing my home garden using permaculture principles, and I’m unsure how to choose

How Do Permaculture Principles Affect Plant Selection?

Permaculture, Permaculture Economics

“I’ve been practicing permaculture gardening for a few years now, and I’ve noticed that the cost

How Does Permaculture Design For Economic Resilience?

Permaculture, Permaculture Waste Reduction

“I’ve started a small food forest on our family’s land here in southern Ontario, but I’m

How Does Permaculture Address Waste In Food Forests?

Climate & Soil, Permaculture

“I’ve been doing permaculture gardening for a few years now, but I’m dealing with severe soil

How Can Permaculture Address Issues With Compacted Soil?

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?

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