P e r m a c u l t u r e
What is Permaculture?
Permaculture was invented as an harmonious way of being on earth, a way to address the damage that modern agriculture practices created. The people who developed the method of Permaculture felt that if they could come up with an efficient working design to grow food, manage energy, waste and resources, there will be a return to the act of living simply and beautifully on the land, with the land...AND still produce all the food and energy that a comfortable life needs.
After a few decades Permaculture achieved all that and more! It is now proven that Permaculture's organic, "sustainable" design produces more food than commercial agricultural methods.
In order to achieve this, one has to be on the land, live and breath the earth, listen to the wind, make friends with Nature and her sometimes daunting forces. Sometimes this even leads people to regain trust in that unimaginable consciousness that is referred to as God.
In this mini course we will learn the basic concepts of permaculture: how to design garden spaces, how to consider wind, rain, sun and soil. How to start wherever you are, whether an apartment on the 5th floor or on a large property with ample space around you.
Mostly we will learn that it all starts with the Wild Heart, and the yearning to grow in harmony with Mother Earth.
Permaculture Theory
Where did we come from, why are we here and what should we do with our lives on Earth.
The backbone of Permaculture theory rests on our connection to Mother Earth and our connection to ourselves.
If we believe that we're here as a result of a cosmic mistake, there is no point to improving or seeking a harmonious, spiritual life.
When we acknowledge that everything is connected and is part of the ever evolving "Mind of God", it becomes our passion and our purpose to make this world a better place.
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And what a wonderful place to start - the dirt under our bare feet!​​​​
Permaculture Design
Observation
Climate: Identifying your climate
A: Tropical climates - characterized by consistently warm temperatures, typically found near the equator
B: Dry climates - defined by aridity, where potential evaporation exceeds precipitation
C: Temperate (or mild mid-latitude) climates - warm to hot summers and mild winters
D: Continental (or cold mid-latitude) climates - warm to cool summers and very cold winters
E: Polar climates - consistently cold temperatures
Precipitation:
Rainfall patterns in your area and the best time to plant and trim things. The seasons you must be "ON It", and do crucial work of weeding, trimming etc.
Water Sources:
Identifying the natural and artificial water sources in your area and how to make best use of them. Can you collect rain, or flood water? How much energy is needed to get your water and at what cost?
Sun Direction:
The sun changes angle dramatically as the seasons pass. Identify sun direction and angle in summer, autumn, winter and spring. What changes in the shaded areas between seasons? Is there a place that will work in summer but is too shaded in winter and visa versa?
Annual Temperatures:
Hottest and coldest months
How does temperature affect the growing season? When is the ideal time to plant trees?
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The Map
What are Zones and why do we need them?
Where is water flowing on your land?
Where is it shaded?
How to create our initial design and what are the most important factors to consider?
Permaculture Practices
Growing what grows
Do you want to grow cherries in the desert?
What fruits and vegetables, roots, shrubs, are common in your area?
What can grow but is not popular (and maybe ​you can use as a cash crop)
Weeds: friend or foe?
Beneficial insects and how to attract them
Composting!
Using cut trees kitchen scraps and weeds
Using human excrement for compost
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Ground Cover
Which ground cover to use?​
​Nitrogen Fixers
What they are and why we need them?
How to find the best nitrogen plan for your area
Processing nitrogen fixing plants
Irrigation
How much water is available? At what cost?
What is your water source?
How does it fluctuate through the seasons?
Is there a way to store water in pools?
Can you use gravity?
Irrigation by Gravitation:
Raised water tanks
Raised ponds
Planning the gravitation system:
How to fill different tanks without computers
How much pressure can you get - what is the elevation of your water source?
Choosing the right pipe
Choosing the right irrigation dripper
Servicing the irrigation dripper
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Food Forest
What is the concept of "Food Forest" or "Forest Garden"?
How is it connected to Permaculture?
Emulating Nature
Creating micro climates
Chop and drop - creating soil buildup
Designing the Food Forest
Canopy layer
Shrub layer
Ground cover layer
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The Nursery
Preparing the planting area
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Shade
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Irrigation
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Airflow
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Sunlight
Collecting Seeds
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Preparing seeds to be sown
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Germinating seeds
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Post germination
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