What is Permaculture?
Permaculture is a type of farming design developed according to ecological principles. It was initially developed by Australian naturalists Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the 1970s. They established twelve primary principles for permaculture, including:
- Observing and interacting
- Catching and storing energy
- Obtaining a yield
- Applying self-regulation and feedback
- Using and valuing renewables
- Producing no waste
- Designing from patterns to details
- Integrating rather than segregating
- Using small and slow solutions
- Valuing diversity
- Valuing the marginal
- Creatively responding to change.
These principles in use should allow a practitioner to live a self-sufficient life by conservation values.
The Potential of Permaculture
If permaculture were adopted on a mass scale, it could positively mitigate climate change. Permaculture is excellent for the planet because it encourages less consumption by featuring a circular and self-sustaining production loop, which is the opposite of the closed-loop system of export, import, and agriculture that is currently most used. This style of farming also is suitable for regenerative planting and agriculture.
Monoculture crops are crops of the same species that demand the same set of nutrients from a plot of soil. The monoculture crops of big agriculture typically strip the soil of nutrients and put the dirt out of use after several years. However, with permaculture, the ground is composted and planted seasonally with appropriate and diverse crops, allowing the soil to be used for many years. The permaculture system also proposes using rainwater for irrigation to conserve water, and most permaculture farmers will use a cistern to collect and store water. Cisterns are large metal containers that can be used to store water.
Starting your Own Permaculture Garden
If you want to start a permaculture garden, several key factors will need to be considered. These include ensuring soil water retention, the placement of surrounding buildings, and pest control strategies. In the permaculture system, pesticides are not supposed to be used. However, you may still need to seed plants like lavender, and basil that ward off pests or put-up fencing to protect plants from scavenging animals.
You do not have to have a large plot of land to start a permaculture garden! People can create permaculture gardens in small, private places like rooftops or on walls. Singapore has successfully implemented this concept by creating “green” architecture that challenges architects to incorporate natural elements and gardens. Singapore’s Green Plan also promotes the permaculture value of sustainable living. Permaculture is also a great way to bring your community together and practice mutual aid. If you do not have any green space near your own home, you can petition your city to find room for a community garden.
Permaculture not only has the potential to help save the planet but is also a great way to start teaching kids about nature conservation. My First Lab is excited to provide kids with the tools they need to get excited about learning about the natural world around them and concepts like permaculture. If you are interested in teaching your kids more about ecology using a hands-on method, check out our line of products at My First Lab.
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