Core Permaculture Concepts
Permaculture designs systems that mimic natural ecosystems, creating productive landscapes requiring minimal external inputs. The approach emphasizes observation, pattern recognition, and working with natural processes rather than against them.
Zone Planning
Zone 0 is your home and central infrastructure. Zone 1 includes frequently accessed areas like herb gardens and intensive beds. Zone 2 holds annual crops requiring regular attention. Zone 3 contains orchards and main crops. Zone 4 includes managed foraging areas. Zone 5 remains wild for observation and learning.
This layout minimizes energy expenditure by placing high-maintenance elements near activity centers and low-maintenance elements farther away. Design access paths and irrigation to support efficient zone management.
Stacking Functions
Every element should serve multiple purposes. Hedgerows provide windbreaks, wildlife habitat, berries, and nitrogen fixation. Ponds offer irrigation, fire protection, aquaculture, and wildlife support.
Design polycultures where plants support each other - nitrogen fixers feed heavy feeders, deep roots bring up minerals, aromatic plants deter pests, and diverse heights capture different light levels.
Water Management
Design landscapes to slow, spread, and sink water. Contour swales, keyline systems, and terracing capture rainfall for infiltration rather than allowing runoff and erosion.
Water storage in ponds, tanks, and soil organic matter provides resilience during drought. Position storage at high points for gravity-fed distribution and emergency use.
Edge Effects
Edges between different ecosystems host the greatest diversity and productivity. Create irregular borders, add hedgerows, and design guilds that transition gradually between areas.
Forest edges, pond margins, and field boundaries become productive zones for beneficial insects, wildlife, and specialty crops that thrive in transition zones.