Growing your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs is often thought of as a spring and summer activity.
With permaculture, though, this year round activity is both sustainable and enjoyable!
Permaculture is the word for “permanent agriculture”. Using this method is using the natural resources around you, like the sun and rain, to cultivate your growing needs.
This method does not require a large backyard or plot of land. In fact, you can use this method on your balcony if that’s the only space you have. It’s flexible and a great way to work with nature to grow your own food.
Why use the permaculture method?
While traditional gardening is a great solution for growing your perennials, it is not the most natural method. It usually requires a larger plot of land, some chemicals, and lots of tending to keep up the health of the garden.
With permaculture, using the natural resources like wind, sun, and rain, it requires less time and energy to keep up, and provides a more natural approach to gardening.
How to begin
- Take a look at the land (or space) that you have to work with.
Looking at what you have naturally requires a bit of research, but not much. Finding what works best for your space can include:
-Sun exposure
-Wind
-Water accumulation
- Plan your garden
Permaculture is a method that can be sustainable and aesthetic.
Planning your garden layout is necessary, as some plants will require more of the natural resources than others, as well as the overall look of the garden.
While planning, be sure to keep in mind that some plants grow together better than others. Be sure you’re not unwittingly grouping plants together that are bad for each other!
- Be sure to have the proper infrastructure to sustain the garden
Natural accumulation of water is a great resource, but sometimes gardens will need more if a dry spell happens.
Installing a watering system can be helpful, as it will ensure your plants do not dry out in case of that very scenario.
While this good be an actual water system that you install, it can also be as simple as collecting rainwater in a barrel to sustain your plants. This is also a great way to connect to nature with your garden.
More important infrastructure considerations include composting, mulching, and using cover crops for a healthy garden.
- Follow the seasons
While you may be excited about planting your garden, for best results, don’t plant right in the middle of a growing season.
Fall and spring are the best seasons to grow plants, but each plant requires a different time of year that they grow best in. Do your research to make sure you are planting in the correct season.
- Plant your sustainable garden
With spring fast approaching, right now is the best time to plan your garden!
You can’t, however, plant without the necessary seeds.
Stop by Stockslagers Greenhouse and Garden Center for all of your plant needs! There you can find the best seeds, and lots of advice and research for the best outcome with your new permaculture garden.
