The Essential Permaculture Garden Guide

If you’re an avid gardener, you might already know about permaculture. This sustainable design philosophy can help you achieve a thriving garden that works with nature instead of against it. 

There’s a lot to learn about permaculture, and it can be hard to know where to begin.

Today, we’re offering an essential guide to get you started!

What is permaculture?

Permaculture design is a holistic approach to gardening that considers the nuances of your property, climate, and available resources. The goal is to create a system that does much of the work for you by implementing natural solutions to common problems. 

Why should you start a permaculture garden?

A thriving permaculture garden is resilient and productive, utilizing every resource available so nothing goes to waste and everything serves a purpose. It takes careful planning and observation–as well as trial and error–but the result is an efficient, low-maintenance system that supplies you with food and a beautiful environment.

What crops are best suited for a permaculture garden?

One of the best things about permaculture is its emphasis on diversity. Contrary to the typical monoculture systems of modern agriculture, permaculture prioritizes beneficial relationships between plants, animals, and the environment to create flourishing backyard ecosystems.

The types of plants you choose to grow will depend on your local environment and your needs. Consider a variety of edible and ornamental plants that will nourish your body and enhance your aesthetic space.

The best tips to grow a permaculture garden

Permaculture gardening relies on a set of principles that provide the foundation for your backyard design. Here are a few of the key elements to get you started.

Research your local ecology

Before you take steps to bring your backyard design ideas to life, you’ll need to understand the ecological factors at play. Knowing the climate in your area, which plant communities thrive there, and how much rainfall you can expect are good places to start. 

However, you’ll need to examine your property as well. The slope of the land, areas where water tends to flow and pool during heavy rainfall, and the microclimates that exist in your backyard are all important factors that will help your garden succeed. 

Design your garden to maximize natural resources

This sustainable approach to garden design works with nature instead of against it. For example, a permaculture gardener would typically respond to a pest problem by introducing beneficial insects to balance out the pest population rather than turning to harsh chemicals. 

Consider how you can implement natural resources, such as companion plants, compost, and appropriate ground cover crops, to create a system that stays in equilibrium. 

You can also utilize solar systems for energy and collect rainwater to hydrate your crops. After all, nature can provide if you’re willing to get creative!

Don’t waste anything

Part of maximizing your natural resources is ensuring that nothing goes to waste. Permaculture gardens make the most of every part and parcel of the garden, including things other gardeners might throw in the trash. 

At the end of the growing season, certain remnants can be used as ground cover or natural mulch to avoid bare soil that’s prone to weedy invasions. Other scraps can go into the compost heap to make “black gold” for next season’s crops. 

Start your garden off with larger plants

The word “permaculture” is a combination of “permanent” and “agriculture.” Developing long-term solutions is the name of the game. If a food forest is part of your plan, you’ll want to plant fruit trees and other large perennials sooner rather than later so they have time to get established. 

Of course, starting with larger plants works for seasonal beds, too. You can plant bigger crops, such as tomatoes or bush beans, and then fill in the surrounding square footage with beneficial plants like tender herbs that might enjoy the shade of their neighbors. 

Combine different gardening techniques

When it comes to bringing your backyard design ideas to life, you might find that it takes a range of techniques to make your garden flourish. For example, if you have particularly rocky soil, raised bed gardening may be a solution. Or, you could experiment with hügelkultur, a method that involves building self-composting beds with natural materials. 

Experimentation is the best test for any functional garden. Toy around with different practices until you find what works for your yard. 

Prioritize diversity

Diversity is the big difference between permaculture and modern monoculture systems. Planting a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals will help promote soil health, productivity, and a thriving, well-rounded ecosystem. 

When you plant a single crop over a wide area, you encourage pests and create an environment where diseases can decimate the entire plot. This also leaches nutrients from the soil, resulting in degraded soil that can’t support life. 

On the other hand, planting a range of different plants helps achieve balance. For instance, you might plant marigolds to lure harmful insects away from the crops you plan to eat. Or, you can grow beans and legumes that put nitrogen back into the soil. There are countless benefits to increased diversity. Research and experimentation will help you make the most of them.

Whitwam Organics will help you build your permaculture garden!

Whitwam Organics can help you take the steps to create your ultimate permaculture garden! We offer residential and commercial consultations, as well as everything you need to get started.

Contact us today to find out more!