The Permaculture Revolution
If you are part of any farming and/or gardening community, chances are, you have heard the word permaculture mentioned at some point. If you still do not have a grasp of what it is, then welcome to Decentralized Farming, where we talk about permaculture all the time!
What is Permaculture, and Why is it Good for Edible Gardens?
The definition of permaculture may vary depending on who you are speaking to. However, what permaculture boils down to is synergy. Synergy of the land, plants, animals, and nature. The term Permaculture was coined by Bill Mollison and his colleague David Holmgren in Australia.
It is a method that focuses on developing organically balanced, effective, and productive systems that anyone can use, regardless of experience. The word 'permaculture' is derived from Permanent Agriculture. The goal of sustainable permaculture is the harmonious integration of human beings with nature. It's about creating more sustainable communities and living systems.
What it means in practice is this: Instead of planting rows and rows of the same species of plant and using inorganic pesticides to keep bugs away when the mono-crop is attacked, you can use that same space to plant multiple things that benefit from each other and the environment around it. You can plant onions, flowers, or herbs with cabbage, peppers, lettuce, and chard. You can use organic compost to provide microbial life and nutrients. If any pests attack your crops, you can use natural ways to get rid of them, such as introducing beneficial insects to the garden or other natural repellents. Part of the permaculture method is embracing nature's gifts and learning from our environment.
Permaculture is not just about fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It is about the entire ecosystem. Although it is highly popular for those interested in creating edible gardens and landscapes, permaculture is about sustainability. It is about using a whole-systems approach to farming, water, energy, etc. In urban areas, there might be limitations to what you are able to do in terms of having livestock, HOA restrictions, etc., but you can still create a design to meet your needs.
Permaculture and its Roots
Permaculture as a philosophy has been around in different cultures since the beginning. Many cultures have developed technologies that have contributed to what we now call permaculture. In this process, some ideas took on more than others.
Masanobu Fukuoka, a farmer and author of One-Straw Revolution, the Natural Way of Farming, Sowing Seeds in the Desert, and the 1988 winner of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, believed, rather than solve the problems of agriculture by adding work, he would attempt to do less. This philosophy assumes that most of the world's problems arise from human interventions in nature. Take some time to watch nature and see what it does. This idea is infectious among nature lovers, environmentalists, farmers, and enthusiasts.
Who is it for?
Who doesn’t want to eat organic, healthy, and sustainably produced food?
Due to this idea, many communities have formed that allow you to enjoy the benefits of this philosophy. If you ever wanted to live in a community with people who talk about permaculture and live it, there is a place for that.
If you want to go on a retreat where you can enjoy nature, eat from the land, meditate, and sleep in a yurt, you can.
If you want to learn more, find out how to get involved, and how you can give back, there are communities everywhere. -practicing just that.
This revolution is about bringing back synergy, sustainability, and power to the people. Anyone interested can participate. If you do not have space on your property, you can always rent a small plot at a local community garden and farm it for a small fee.
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