Source: Mind Body Green Photo Source: Unsplash, Markus Spiske
1. Start small. This is an especially important tip for beginners or anyone new to the holistic permaculture technique. By implementing on a small scale from the get-go, you can gain an understanding of what your garden will need in terms of maintenance and time in the long term, explains Randaci.
2. Make sure you are near a water source. Whether it be natural water sources like a pond, lake, well, or access to a hose, a reliable water source is key to growing any garden. Randaci's tip: Employ rain barrels to collect water and further increase the sustainability of your garden.
3. Remember: Right plant, right place. Randaci encourages prospective gardeners to thoroughly research their growing zone before choosing
any plants.
4. Trust and embrace the process.
"I like to think of permaculture as more than just a gardening technique—it's a philosophy on life, so embrace the movement," Danner tells mbg.
"Acknowledge your position within the natural ecosystem, and reject the idea that we're separate from, or above, nature," she adds. "In that spirit, permaculture enthusiasts should strive to live true to those principles outside of the garden, too: Reuse and share resources, integrate with your local community, and above all, work with nature, not against it."
FAQs: How big should a permaculture garden be? As a general rule of thumb, Danner says most permaculture gardens take up at least a quarter of an acre. But, she adds, beginners should start small. "It can be discouraging to start a new garden and get overwhelmed the first season or two, but it's so rewarding to have the land give back the positive energy and time you've invested," she says. "Allow your garden to grow with your time, experience, and budget. You can learn from the soil and crop along the way by listening to nature and improving your skills." What's the best location for a permaculture garden? When ma-
pping out the best location for your permaculture garden, there are a few factors to consider, such as availability of water, rich soil with proper pH (though this can be amended with compost), and accessibility to gardening centers and coops for materials, Danner says. What are some good books on permaculture gardening? According to Danner, The Market Gardener: A Successful Grower's Handbook for Small-Scale Organic Farming by Jean-Martin Fortier is a fantastic, easy read for beginner and intermediate gardeners alike.
"It provides so many ideas that are accessible and require minimal financial investment. Readers will learn the basics of gardening and how to minimize their carbon footprint—all while embarking on a new hobby that can be shared with neighbors, family, and friends," Danner says. Additionally, Danner recommends Teaming With Microbes: The Organic Gardener's Guide to the Soil Food Web by Jeff Lowenfels and Wayne Lewis as it breaks down the seemingly complex science of permaculture gardening and makes it fun and digestible. "It provides ideas for improving your garden and its output in attainable ways. It also covers the microorganisms, fungi, bacteria, and companion crops that make your soil teem with life," Danner says.
Are there any potential setbacks to permaculture gardening? Yes, but no more than any other gardening technique: Lack of time, finances, access to plots of land or supplies, are the most common, Danner tells mbg.
The bottom line. If you're interested in a low-maintenance gardening technique that benefits not only you but the world around you, permaculture gardening is a wonderful choice. It's an eco-friendly method that can teach you how to reduce waste, use what nature has given you, and thrive—on and off the garden.
Julia Guerra - mbg Contributor Julia Guerra is a health and wellness writer reporting for mindbodygreen, Elite Daily, and INSIDER. Formerly the beauty editor for Best Products.com, she's contributed to Women's Health,...
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