Instead of describing it... let's get right into how to do it!

 

T​ransforming land into an abundant permaculture paradise... here is a great list of the process:

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I. Assessment and Planning (Permaculture: Observe and Interact, Design from Patterns to Details):

1. Comprehensive Site Analysis:

   • Sun Mapping: As before, create a detailed sun map, noting variations throughout the day and year.

   • Water Flow: Analyze water movement, including sheet flow, runoff, and drainage patterns. Identify areas for water retention and infiltration. Consider using a laser level or A-frame level to map contours.

   • Soil Testing: Conduct multiple soil tests across your land to get a comprehensive understanding of soil types, pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter content.

   • Existing Vegetation and Wildlife: Catalog all existing plant species, noting their health, abundance, and location. Observe wildlife patterns and identify potential beneficial or problematic species. Document useful weeds for food, medicine, or biomass.

   • Microclimates: Identify areas with distinct microclimates (e.g., warmer south-facing slopes, frost pockets, windy areas).

   • Access and Circulation: Plan pathways, roads, and access points, considering how you will move around the land for maintenance and harvesting.

   • Views and Aesthetics: Consider viewsheds and incorporate aesthetic elements into your design.

2. Define Zones and Sectors:

   • Detailed Zoning: Create a detailed zone map, clearly defining the purpose and function of each zone. Example: Zone 1 might include your kitchen garden, herb spiral, greenhouse, and chicken coop. Zone 2 could be your orchard and annual vegetable beds. Zone 3 might be pasture or a food forest. Zone 4 could be a managed woodlot, and Zone 5 a wild area.

   • Sector Analysis: Map prevailing winds, sun angles, noise sources, and other external influences. Example: Design windbreaks using fast-growing, multi-functional trees like willows or poplars.

3. Create a Detailed Base Map:

   • Develop a large-scale, detailed map of your land, incorporating all the information gathered during the site analysis. This map will be your primary design tool and will evolve as your project progresses. Consider using GIS software if you are comfortable with it.

II. Water Management (Permaculture: Catch and Store Energy):

1. Swales on Contour:

   • Construct swales along contour lines to passively irrigate plantings and recharge groundwater. The size and spacing of swales will depend on your land's slope, soil type, and rainfall patterns. Example: Plant fruit trees on the downhill side of swales to take advantage of the increased water availability.

   • Use swales to direct overflow from one water body to the next.

2. Keyline Design:

   • Employ Keyline plowing to strategically move water from valleys to ridges, further enhancing water infiltration and distribution. Example: Use a Keyline plow or subsoiler to create shallow channels that direct water flow.

3. Rainwater Harvesting:

   • Install a comprehensive rainwater harvesting system with multiple large tanks or cisterns to collect and store rainwater from all available roof surfaces. Example: Connect your rainwater tanks to a gravity-fed irrigation system.

   • Consider using first flush diverters to reduce contamination.

4. Greywater Systems:

   • Install a greywater system to utilize water from showers, sinks, and laundry for irrigating non-edible or fruit-bearing plants, following local regulations. Example: Create a greywater-irrigated mulch basin planted with fruit trees.

5. Ponds and Wetlands:

   • Construct ponds or wetlands to create diverse habitats, store water, and potentially raise fish or aquatic plants. Example: Design a pond with varying depths to support different aquatic species.

   • Stock with native fish and edible aquatic plants.

6. Rain Gardens:

   • Create rain gardens in low-lying areas to capture and filter runoff from hard surfaces like driveways and patios. Example: Plant a rain garden with native, water-loving plants to create a beautiful and functional landscape feature.

III. Soil Building (Permaculture: Earth Care, Produce No Waste):

1. Sheet Mulching/Lasagna Gardening:

   • Implement sheet mulching on a large scale to improve soil fertility, suppress weeds, and create new planting areas. Example: Cover large sections of your land with layers of cardboard, compost, manure, straw, and wood chips.

2. Composting:

   • Establish a multi-bin composting system to process all organic waste generated on your land, including kitchen scraps, yard waste, animal manure, and even humanure (if local regulations permit). Example: Build a large, three-bin composting system using pallets or other recycled materials.

   • Use compost tea to add nutrients and beneficial microbes.

3. Vermicomposting:

   • Set up a worm composting system to process kitchen scraps and produce high-quality worm castings. Example: Build or purchase a multi-tiered worm bin.

4. Cover Cropping:

   • Utilize a variety of cover crops (e.g., legumes, grasses, brassicas) to improve soil structure, add nitrogen, suppress weeds, and attract beneficial insects. Example: Plant a mix of clover, vetch, and rye in the fall to overwinter and build soil fertility.

   • Experiment with different chop and drop regimes.

5. Animal Manure Management:

   • If you have livestock, design a system for collecting, composting, and utilizing their manure as a valuable fertilizer. Example: Create a rotational grazing system where animals are moved to different paddocks, allowing their manure to fertilize the soil naturally.

6. Biochar Production:

   • Consider producing biochar (a type of charcoal) to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. Example: Build a biochar kiln or use a retort to produce biochar from woody debris.

IV. Plant Selection and Placement (Permaculture: Integrate Rather Than Segregate):

1. Food Forest Design (Guilds):

   • Guilds: Design and plant diverse guilds around key species like fruit and nut trees. Each guild should include plants that fulfill different functions (e.g., nitrogen fixers, dynamic accumulators, insect attractors, pest repellents, groundcovers).

     • Apple Tree Guild Example: Apple tree, comfrey, daffodils, chives, clover, yarrow, borage.

     • Nitrogen-Fixing Guild Example: Acacia tree, lupine, clover, vetch.

     • Salad Green Guild Example: Lettuce, spinach, arugula, chervil, sorrel.

     • Herb Guild Example: Rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, lavender, mint.

   • Layers: Create a multi-layered food forest with canopy trees (e.g., nut trees), understory trees (e.g., dwarf fruit trees), shrubs (e.g., berries), herbaceous plants (e.g., perennial vegetables, herbs), groundcovers (e.g., strawberries, creeping thyme), vines (e.g., grapes, kiwi), and root crops (e.g., potatoes, garlic).

   • Nitrogen Fixers: Incorporate a variety of nitrogen-fixing plants throughout your design.

   • Dynamic Accumulators: Include plants known to accumulate specific nutrients (e.g., comfrey for potassium, borage for calcium).

2. Succession Planting:

   • Plan for continuous harvests by staggering planting times and using a mix of early, mid, and late-season varieties. Example: Plant a succession of lettuce, spinach, and other greens every 2-3 weeks.

3. Companion Planting:

   • Utilize companion planting principles to maximize yields, deter pests, and attract beneficial insects. Example: Plant basil and marigolds near tomatoes to improve their growth and deter pests.

4. Polyculture Planting:

   • Instead of monoculture rows, interplant different species to create more diverse and resilient planting areas. Example: Plant a bed with a mix of vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

5. Native Plant Integration:

   • Incorporate native plants into your design to support local ecosystems, attract pollinators, and provide habitat for wildlife. Example: Create a hedgerow with native shrubs and trees.

6. Edible Landscaping:

   • Integrate edible plants into your ornamental landscape. Example: Replace traditional shrubs with berry bushes or use edible groundcovers like strawberries.

7. Vertical Gardening:

   • Maximize space by growing vining plants on trellises, arbors, or other vertical structures. Example: Grow grapes or kiwi on an arbor over a patio.

V. Structures and Features (Permaculture: Use Small and Slow Solutions):

1. Herb Spiral:

   • Build one or more herb spirals to create microclimates for growing a variety of herbs. Example: Construct an herb spiral near your kitchen using rocks, bricks, or other materials.

2. Raised Beds:

   • Create raised beds to improve drainage, warm the soil, and make gardening easier. Example: Build raised beds with retaining walls made from logs, stones, or recycled materials.

3. Cold Frames/Hoop Houses:

   • Construct cold frames or hoop houses to extend your growing season and protect seedlings from frost. Example: Build a hoop house using PVC pipes and plastic sheeting.

4. Greenhouse:

   • Consider building a greenhouse for starting seeds, growing heat-loving plants, and extending the season even further. Example: Build a passive solar greenhouse attached to your house.

5. Trellises and Arbors:

   • Build trellises and arbors to support vining plants and create vertical gardening space. Example: Construct a sturdy trellis for growing beans or cucumbers.

6. Fencing and Walls:

   • Install fencing to protect your garden from deer, rabbits, and other animals. Use walls to create microclimates and define garden spaces. Example: Build a stone wall to create a warm, sheltered area for growing heat-loving plants.

7. Paths and Walkways:

   • Design a network of paths and walkways to provide access to all parts of your garden. Use permeable materials like gravel or wood chips to reduce runoff. Example: Create a winding path through your food forest.

VI. Animal Integration (Permaculture: Integrate Rather Than Segregate):

1. Chickens:

   • Integrate chickens into your system for pest control, soil aeration, and fertilizer production. Use a chicken tractor or rotational grazing system to manage their impact. Example: Build a mobile chicken coop that can be moved around your garden to fertilize and till different areas.

   • Use deep litter in chicken coop and run for composting.

2. Ducks:

   • Utilize ducks for slug, snail, and insect control, especially in wet areas. Example: Allow ducks to forage in your garden during supervised periods or create a designated duck run.

3. Bees:

   • Keep bees for pollination and honey production. Example: Install beehives in a sunny location near your garden and plant bee-friendly flowers.

4. Other Livestock:

   • Consider integrating other livestock like goats, sheep, or rabbits for milk, meat, fiber, and weed control, depending on your needs and resources. Example: Use goats to clear brush and weeds from overgrown areas.

5. Beneficial Insect Habitat:

   • Create habitats for beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which help control pests naturally. Example: Plant a variety of flowering plants that attract beneficial insects and provide them with shelter.

   • Build an insect hotel.

VII. Energy Conservation and Generation (Permaculture: Catch and Store Energy):

1. Solar Panels:

   • Install solar panels to generate electricity for your home and garden. Example: Use solar-powered lights for pathways and outdoor spaces.

2. Windbreaks:

   • Plant windbreaks to reduce wind erosion, protect plants from cold winds, and create microclimates. Example: Plant a multi-layered windbreak with fast-growing trees, shrubs, and grasses.

3. Passive Solar Design:

   • Design your home and other structures to take advantage of passive solar heating and cooling. Example: Orient your house to the south and use large windows to capture solar heat in the winter.

VIII. Ongoing Management and Refinement (Permaculture: Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback):

1. Observation and Record-Keeping:

   • Maintain a detailed garden journal to track planting dates, yields, successes, failures, weather patterns, pest and disease outbreaks, and other observations. Example: Use a spreadsheet or database to record your observations and analyze trends over time.

2. Mulching:

   • Apply organic mulch to all planting areas to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and build soil fertility. Example: Use a variety of mulch materials like straw, wood chips, leaves, and compost.

3. Water Audits:

   • Periodically assess your water usage and identify areas where you can conserve water. Example: Check for leaks in your irrigation system and adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions.

4. Soil Testing and Amendments:

   • Regularly test your soil and amend it as needed to maintain fertility and balance. Example: Add compost, manure, or other organic matter to improve soil structure and nutrient levels.

5. Pest and Disease Management:

   • Monitor your plants for signs of pests and diseases and use integrated pest management (IPM) techniques to address problems naturally. Example: Use companion planting, beneficial insects, and other non-toxic methods to control pests.

6. Pruning and Training:

   • Prune and train your plants to improve their health, productivity, and shape. Example: Prune fruit trees to encourage fruit production and maintain an open canopy.

7. Seed Saving:

   • Save seeds from your best-performing plants to develop locally adapted varieties and reduce your reliance on external seed sources. Example: Collect and store seeds from your favorite heirloom tomatoes.

8. Propagation:

   • Learn how to propagate plants from seeds, cuttings, division, and other methods to expand your garden and share plants with others. Example: Take cuttings from your favorite herbs and root them in water or potting mix.

9. Adaptive Management:

   • Be prepared to adjust your design and management practices based on your observations, changing conditions, and new knowledge. Example: If a particular plant is struggling in one location, try moving it to a different spot or replacing it with a more suitable species.

10. Community Building:

    • Connect with other permaculturists in your area to share knowledge, resources, and support. Example: Join a local permaculture group or attend workshops and events.

11. Education and Outreach:

    • Share your knowledge and experience with others to promote permaculture principles and practices. Example: Host workshops or tours of your garden.

12. Experimentation:

• Don't be afraid to experiment with new plants, techniques, and designs. Example: Try growing a new type of fruit or vegetable that you've never grown before.

1. Enjoy the Process:

   • Remember that permaculture is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process of creating a beautiful, productive, and sustainable ecosystem on your land.