Although our last frost is just a few weeks behind us, I have been gardening for months. And by that, I mean preparing- taking in knowledge, planning in my garden journal, building new hugelkultur raised garden beds, drying out duck bedding for mulch, depleting the manure piles…and of course, planting and watching everything come to life before my eyes

…………

Perhaps you’ve never heard of permaculture, or have heard of it but don’t really know what it is. Maybe you’ve done a little bit of research but aren’t yet sure of how to employ permaculture methods in your own back yard. Today I’d like to bring you the basics and get you at least thinking in the direction of a more sustainable method of providing food for your family

………….

Permaculture is a system of agricultural and social design principles centered around simulating or directly utilizing the patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems.

As you can see, permaculture is a system that works with nature, and not against it. Most traditional gardens work against nature.

…………

Permaculture practices can help you on your way to working with nature instead:

• Using raised beds allow you to reach across for planting, weeding, picking, etc., rather than walking on them and causing soil compaction. You can also use your space more effectively; by eliminating the need for walk paths between rows, you can space your plants in all directions as you would in a row.
• ..………

• Composting is an invaluable way to feed your plants and increase the organic matter in your garden- if you’re not composting, start today!
• Hugelkultur beds are self-tilling as the woody debris at the bottom of the bed decomposes and feeds the roots of the plants. They also hold water like a sponge, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
• ………..
• Remove from your head the idea of neat, tidy rows of one type of plant. Instead, try companion planting. When used correctly, certain plants can benefit another by way of deterring pests or attracting beneficials such as bees, hummingbirds, or predator insects………….

………..

If you’ve been wanting to find a more sustainable, low-impact, no-dig method of gardening, then permaculture is for you. Read and research all you can. Whether you garden on your balcony, in containers on your porch, in your back yard, or on an acreage- we can all be responsible modern pioneers and work toward a more environmentally supportive way of growing.

Read the rest of the original article in Yellow Birch Hobby Farm

Article Source: Yellow Birch Hobby Farm
Image Source: Internet Monk