The word permaculture comes from two words: perma (as in permanent) and culture (something people do, a human activity like horticulture).
A permaculture garden is designed to last forever and be self-supporting.
Unlike conventional large-scale agriculture (the farms we’re used to seeing), permaculture employs lots of different plants in one place, like a forest.
This biodiversity keeps the soil strong and balanced because plants take different minerals from the soil and put nutrients back into the soil. We don’t need any chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides in a permaculture system.
Plants keep the soil balanced, structural elements reduce water needs and, because seeds are harvested directly from the garden, it becomes an inexpensive way to grow one’s own food.
To build a simple permaculture garden:
1. Set up a compost system, with grass cuttings, leaves, kitchen scraps and manure (if possible).
2. Mark the first site for a planting circle (2m across) and dig a trench all the way around this bed, about 20cm wide and 20-30cm deep.
3. Fill the trench with small sticks and dried grass. The dry grass acts as a sponge, soaking up water and keeping the soil moist.
4. Create a trellis for plants (e.g., beans) to climb up on the northern side of the planting circle.
5. Put seedlings/plants into the circle according to the seven layers needed (as shown in the drawing below). The plants can be placed directly into the soil (with compost) or in a layer of compost and soil on top of a piece of cardboard (this is the no-dig method). The cardboard can be placed directly on top of the lawn or weeds.
6. Once your first bed is established and you have extra compost, feel free to keep adding planting circles (and other shapes, if you like) until you have a food forest.
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