Permaculture Garden Guide - My Garden Matters

Permaculture gardening is a type of gardening that is based on the principles of permaculture, a sustainable design system that seeks to create self-sustaining and self-sufficient ecosystems. Permaculture gardening involves designing gardens that mimic the natural ecosystems found in nature, with the goal of creating a harmonious balance between plants, animals, and the environment.

Permaculture gardens are typically designed to be low-maintenance and to support a wide variety of plants and animals. They may include elements such as composting systems, rainwater catchment systems, and edible plants, as well as a variety of animals such as bees, chickens, and ducks.

Permaculture gardens may also include elements such as food forests, where a variety of edible trees and shrubs are planted in a way that mimics the structure of a natural forest ecosystem.

Permaculture gardening can be a great way to create a sustainable, self-sufficient garden that is both beautiful and functional. By following the principles of permaculture, you can create a garden that is in harmony with the natural environment and that supports a wide variety of plants and animals.

How do I start a permaculture garden?

To start a permaculture garden, you can follow these steps:

Choose a location: Select a location for your permaculture garden that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. It is also important to consider the slope of the land, as permaculture gardens often make use of slope and contour to capture and store water.
Observe and understand the site: Spend some time observing the site and getting to know the microclimate and the natural features of the land. This will help you to understand the unique characteristics of your site and design your garden accordingly.
Design your garden: Use the principles of permaculture to design your garden, considering the natural features of the site and the specific needs of the plants and animals you want to include. Some key principles to consider include diversity, integration, and stacking functions.
Prepare the soil: Prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil structure and provide nutrients for your plants. You may also want to consider adding a slow-release fertiliser to provide additional nutrients.
Plant your seeds or seedlings: Once you have designed your garden and prepared the soil, plant your seeds or seedlings according to the package instructions. Be sure to follow the recommended spacing for each type of plant to ensure that your plants have enough room to grow.
Water regularly: Water your plants regularly, making sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid getting the foliage of your plants wet, as this can encourage the development of fungal diseases.

How is permaculture different from organic gardening?

Permaculture and organic gardening are similar in that they both focus on using natural, sustainable practices to grow plants and manage the land. However, permaculture goes beyond organic gardening in its holistic approach to sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Organic gardening is primarily focused on using natural methods to grow and care for plants, such as using organic fertilisers and avoiding synthetic pesticides and herbicides. Organic gardening is also typically focused on growing a specific set of crops or plants, such as vegetables or flowers.

Permaculture, on the other hand, is a holistic design system that seeks to create self-sustaining and self-sufficient ecosystems. Permaculture gardens are designed to mimic the natural ecosystems found in nature and may include a wide variety of plants and animals, such as fruit trees, herbs, and chickens. Permaculture gardens may also include elements such as composting systems, rainwater catchment systems, and food forests, which are designed to create a self-sustaining ecosystem.

In summary, while organic gardening is focused on using natural methods to grow and care for specific plants, permaculture is a more holistic approach that seeks to create self-sustaining, self-sufficient ecosystems.

How much land is needed for a permaculture garden?

There is no set amount of land that is required for a permaculture garden, as permaculture gardens can be designed to fit any size space. Permaculture gardens can be as small as a few square feet or as large as several acres, depending on the amount of space you have available and the number of plants and animals you want to include.

Permaculture gardens are designed to be highly efficient and to make use of all available space, so even a small garden can be designed to produce a significant amount of food and other resources. For example, a permaculture garden may include elements such as food forests, vertical gardening, and stacking functions, which can help to maximise the space available.

In general, it is important to consider the specific needs of the plants and animals you want to include in your permaculture garden and to design your garden accordingly. By following the principles of permaculture and making use of all available space, you can create a self-sustaining, low-maintenance ecosystem that is well-suited to your specific needs and space constraints.

What to plant in a permaculture garden

In a permaculture garden, you can plant a wide variety of plants, including vegetables, fruit trees, herbs, and flowering plants. Some key considerations when selecting plants for a permaculture garden include:

Diversity: Choose a wide variety of plants to create a diverse ecosystem that can support a range of plants and animals.
Climate and soil: Choose plants that are well-suited to your local climate and soil conditions.
Function: Consider the specific functions that each plant can serve in your permaculture garden, such as providing food, habitat for wildlife, or improving soil health.
Pest and disease resistance: Choose plants that are resistant to pests and diseases, as this can help to reduce the need for pesticides and other chemicals.

Some examples of plants that are well-suited for permaculture gardens include:

Fruit trees: Fruit trees, such as apples, pears, and plums, can provide a source of food and also support a wide range of wildlife.
Vegetables: Vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce, can provide a source of food and can also be used to create a guild, or group of plants that support each other and work together to improve soil health and pest control.
Herbs: Herbs, such as basil, mint, and parsley, can provide a source of food and also support a wide range of beneficial insects.
Flowering plants: Flowering plants, such as marigolds and calendulas.

Permaculture gardens to visit in uk

There are many permaculture gardens in the UK that are worth visiting, including:

The Community Farm in Chew Magna, Somerset: The Community Farm is a small, organic farm that is open to the public and features a number of permaculture gardens.
The Garden Organic Ryton Gardens in Coventry: The Garden Organic Ryton Gardens is a small, organic farm and garden that is open to the public and features a number of permaculture gardens.
The Permaculture Orchard at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden, Wisley in Surrey: The Permaculture Orchard at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden, Wisley is a small orchard that is designed according to the principles of permaculture and is open to the public.
The Permaculture Garden at Sissinghurst Castle in Kent: The Permaculture Garden at Sissinghurst Castle is a small, ornamental garden that is designed according to the principles of permaculture and is open to the public.
The Community Garden at The Eden Project in Cornwall: The Community Garden at The Eden Project is a small, community-supported garden that is designed according to the principles of permaculture and is open to the public.

By visiting these and other permaculture gardens in the UK, you can get inspiration for your own permaculture garden and learn more about the principles and practices.