Property Checklist for. Permaculture

Transcription

1 Property Checklist for Permaculture

2 When it comes to designing you permaculture plot, there are many factors to analyze that will feed into your design. Gaining a good understanding of the factors that impact upon the site is one of the keys to creating a suitable, successful design. HERE ARE THREE CHECKLISTS OF THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN IT COMES TO SOME OF THE CENTRAL ELEMENTS OF YOUR PLOT WATER SOIL AIR 2

3 WATER CHECKLIST Water is one of the most vital elements to life on earth. As such, it is one of the primary considerations on any permaculture plot. If a site is going to provide bountiful crops for the permaculture gardener, the interaction between the living elements of the site and the water that enters and is stored on the site is crucial. Harvesting, storing and utilizing water as efficiently as possible is therefore a central theme of permaculture design, and analysing the water inflows and outflows of a site is one of the key elements of any permaculture design. HERE'S A CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO CONSIDER IN TERMS OF WATER ON ANY PLOT 1What are the inputs of water to the site? Analyzing the water that enters your site is the first step to understanding your moisture needs. It also helps you design for making the most efficient use of that water. Research rainfall levels and patterns for your location Plot streams and creeks that run through your plot; and Look at where condensation forms and where frost is most likely to settle. 2Where and how does water leave the site? As well as working out how water enters the site, analyse how it leaves. This will include: Looking at surface runoff How quickly moisture seeps through the soil (you can then modify the soil to slow or quicken the rate) How much water the plants on the site require, then Devise ways to slow the water leaving as required to meet the needs of plants, animals and soil health. 3

4 3How can you slow water leaving the site? Slowing the water leaving the site allows it more time to seep into the soil where it can be accessed by plant roots. It also makes the moisture available for longer to be used for irrigation as necessary. If you have steep slopes on your site, building swales will halt the flow of water off the land, and provide a niche for planting. The water in a Swale can also be diverted to other locations via channels. Minimizing hard, inorganic surfaces such as paved footpaths and driveways also slows water passage, as does ensuring soil is not left exposed (when it can become compacted and cause water to runoff at a greater rate). 4Are there areas that are moister than others? While slowing the runoff of water from the site is a key component of effective water use on a permaculture plot, you also want to check for areas on the plot where water collects. This may be from runoff as well as from niches where frost has a tendency to form or snow to settle. This can cause waterlogged soil which you may need to modify with organic material or changes in topography; it may prompt planting and siting of structures to change the microclimate and so prevent such moisture accumulation (perhaps by allowing more direct sun on a location to raise the temperature and prevent frost); or it may present an opportunity for planting species that thrive in very moist conditions, creating a different guild or niche on you plot. 4

5 5How can you harvest and store rainwater? Rainwater is often overlooked as a resource to be captured and used, but it is a free source of moisture and can be crucial in maintaining an ecologically friendly site. Rainwater harvesting can be: As simple as placing a barrel under the down pipe of the guttering on your home As integrated as diverting runoff from all structures on the plot to a large underground storage tank. Look for ways you can prevent rainwater from leaving the site before it has been used. 6How can you irrigate your crops most effectively? Water is essential to plant life, providing the medium for the plants to absorb nutrients, and to effectively photosynthesize. Planning how you will irrigate your crops is an important element of permaculture design. There are methods to reduce the need for irrigation, such as mulching, composting and reducing wind erosion, but you will likely need to water your plants regularly, particularly in the warmer months, which are also typically the growing season for crops, when they need more water. Drip irrigation directs water to the roots of the plants where it is most useful But if watering via other means, irrigate early in the morning or late in the evening to maximise moisture take up by plant roots. 5

6 7Is a pond suitable for your site? Instituting a pond on your site can have many benefits. It obviously provides a body of water that can be used - to a degree - for irrigation in extreme circumstances, thus making you more secure in times of crisis. However, with the right type of design and planting, a pond can bring a great deal to the plot on a day-to-day level. As a source of fresh water, it will attract birds, amphibians and insects, increasing the biodiversity of your site, and can be used to grow aquatic plants and to raise fish. A sheltered site with some full sun is a good site for a pond, avoiding excess evaporation by the wind and providing shelter for wildlife. Designing a pond with a variety of depths across its diameter will attract the greatest number of animal species as it creates more niches. 6

7 8How can you save water in the home? It is not just in the garden that you can design to use moisture more effectively. Being more efficient in using water in the home helps both the preserve this precious natural resource and save you money on your household bills. Even simple steps like turning the tap off while you brush your teeth and reusing water in which vegetables have been washed to irrigate the garden can save a lot of water over the course of a year. Other methods of saving water in the home include: Only putting the washing machine and dishwasher on when the appliance has a full load Taking showers rather than baths, and Fitting water saving shower heads and toilet flush mechanisms. 9Is greywater use possible? Greywater is the 'waste' water from the bathroom and laundry. It may be possible to divert this resource for use in irrigating the garden. Check local ordinances about such reuse of greywater, and whether the topography of your site will allow for ease of movement of the water from the home to the garden. Remember you will need: Use non-toxic organic detergents if reusing greywater Fine filters to prevent blocking of pipes and irrigation delivery mechanisms by lint. 7

8 SOIL CHECKLIST Good soil - one that provides the plants growing in it with the nutrients, moisture and aeration they need to survive and thrive - is key to the success of a permaculture garden. Analyzing the soil components of your site will enable you to both choose native plants that are suitable for the soil conditions in your location, and conceive of ways to modify the soil if necessary to provide a better growing medium for your cultivated plants. THIS CHECKLIST PROVIDES SOME GUIDELINES ABOUT WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN ANALYZING SOIL. 1How 'heavy' is the soil? The heaviness of a soil determines how effective it is at retaining water, how well aerated it is, and how easy it is for plant roots to branch out through it to locate moisture and nutrients. It is also key to the movement of insects and other microorganisms through the soil, which helps determine its structure. A soil with a high proportion of clay is a heavy soil, and it will retain moisture well but can become waterlogged and harden in dry weather. A soil with a higher proportion of sand is lighter, but will let moisture drain through it quickly, meaning plants may not be able to access the water. A loamy soil is one in which the clay and sand elements are balanced and is, in general, the best growing medium. You can feel the soil for an idea of its heaviness; a clay soil will feel tacky and smooth, while a sandy soil will feel rougher and looser. 8

9 2How well does the soil retain moisture? The heaviness of the soil is one component that determines how well it retains water. You ideally want a soil that allows water to percolate through it (so it doesn't become waterlogged) but slowly, so the plants and microorganisms in the soil have sufficient time to use it for their biological needs. You can test the soil by digging a hole, filling the hole with water and timing how long it takes to drain away. Adding organic material (such as compost) to soil is a good way of maintaining the balance between percolation and retention. 3Is there a deep layer of humus? Humus is the nutrient-rich layer in a healthy soil in which plants grow best. It has lots of organic material, has a rich, dark colour, and has a structure about halfway between a sandy and a clay soil. Humus provides bacteria and other microorganisms in the soil with the space and moisture they need to move through the soil, improving its structure, and to process nutrients into forms the plants can take up. There are, of course, plants that can grow in soils that do not have much or any humus, but generally adding humus will improve the robustness of your plants' growth. 9

10 4What is the soil's ph level? The acidity or alkalinity of the soil will also affect microorganism activity and the plants that will grow best in the soil. The ph level of the soil indicates the relative amount of acid and alkalinity. You can purchase a ph testing kit cheaply that enables you to use litmus paper to test the soil, in conjunction with a color chart that indicates the ph level on a numbered scale (with lower numbers indicating greater acidity). There are plants that can grow in acid conditions or alkaline soil, but most prefer a soil profile around neutral, and there are ways to modify your soil to reach that ph, such as adding organic lime to lessen acidity or bone meal to increase it. 10

11 5How can you improve the nutrient content of the soil? It is almost always beneficial to your permaculture plot to look for ways to increase the nutrient content of your soil. This provides an array of minerals, chemicals and other elements for bacteria, insects and other microorganisms, as well as for the plants growing in the soil, ensuring they are healthy and growing. Adding organic material to the soil, typically in the form of organic compost or composted animal manure, is the primary way of increasing the soil's nutrient content, and will have the knock-on effect on improving the soil structure, helping it get the best balance for water retention and aeration, and adding to the humus layer. 6Should you mulch the soil? Mulching with organic mulch can be very beneficial to your garden beds. It provides a slow release of nutrients into the soil, it helps retain soil moisture and it helps prevent drying and erosion by the elements. However, mulch is not always desirable, say for instance: If you have a site that experiences a lot of high winds which could dislodge the mulch material, or If you have a lot of interplanting that provides a lot of plant coverage over the soil. 11

12 7Are there areas of exposed soil? In permaculture, we tend to try and avoid leaving areas of soil exposed, without any plants growing in it. Not only is exposed soil unproductive it is also more prone to erosion by wind and water (which removes the humus layer) and subsequently becomes compacted and dried out by the elements. If you are not ready to plant crops, consider planting a ground cover crop, such as comfrey, which will grow quickly and avoid leaving the soil exposed, and allow you to cut it and leave it on the ground to add nutrients as a "green manure". 8How can you plant to best preserve the health of the soil? Ensuring that it does not remain exposed for any length of time is one method of preserving a healthy soil on your permaculture site, by preventing erosion and compaction. But even with lots of plants, the soil can still become diseased or infested by pests, and thus damaging to your crops. There are methods of planting that you can utilise however that can prevent soil disease. These include: The rotation of crops (so that pathogens that target particular species do not have time to build up in the soil), and Interplanting to increase the biodiversity of a site, so that healthy populations of insects and other animals retain a natural balance between predators and prey, so no one population becomes too large and damaging to the crops. 12

13 AIR CHECKLIST One of the most important if least visible inputs onto a permaculture plot is air. The way air moves and the qualities it retains or loses as it warms and cools, the effect that wind has on the plants, animals and structures on a site, and the interaction between air and soil are all important considerations when analyzing a site you are going to design for. HERE IS A CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN ANALYZING AIR INPUTS. 1Which directions do the winds comes from generally? Determining which direction the prevailing winds generally come from in your location will have a significant impact on your permaculture design. There are general patterns of wind movement that are determined by the relative temperatures of land and ocean, as well as the rotation of the planet, but local factors will also play a role. For instance, topography has a big impact on the way wind moves through a location. Analyzing how the winds plays across your site, at different times of the year, will be an important factor in your permaculture design, influencing what you plant and where. 13

14 2How strong are the winds? Local and regional topography will also impact upon the strength of the winds that blow across your site. Different types of plant are able to withstand differing strengths of wind, so how hard the air moves across your plot can affect the species of plants you cultivate. For instance, if your permaculture site experiences strong winds, you may design the planting to incorporate more species that grow close to the ground to avoid damage to the specimens. The strength of the wind will also affect aspects of the site such as the rate of moisture evaporation from the surface of a pond or other water body, and the temperature of the buildings on the site. You can use planting to ameliorate conditions where wind alters the environment. 3Which plants need protection from the wind? Permaculture thrives on cultivating a wide variety of plants, for a range of crops and to increase the biodiversity of the area. As such, you are unlikely to be able to have all the species that you want to grow in cultivars that are adapted to the wind conditions on your site. Thus, you need to identify the plants in your permaculture design that will need to be protected from strong winds. Fortunately, there are many ways to offer this protection, including construction of windbreaks, interplanting and guild planting. 14

15 4Do your animals need protection from the wind? The movement of air across your site will also impact upon any livestock that you have on your site. Chickens and other animals will need protection from the wind if it is strong enough to lower the temperature so that the animals become uncomfortable. So, for instance, if you have strong winds in your location, you would look to site your chicken coop behind a row of trees that will divert the wind away from the coop so that it doesn't impact as much on the internal temperature of the chicken's shelter. Likewise, for other animals you choose to raise, such as pigs or ducks, siting their shelter so that the prevailing winds do not blow directly into the housing is necessary to ensure their comfort. 5Have the air movements created microclimates and niches? Even with light winds, the way the air moves over, under and around various elements in your site will cause variations in things like temperature and moisture across your plot. For instance, wind will increase the rate at which moisture on the surface of plants and soil will evaporate, while a sheltered site may therefore be more prone to frost settling. Trees and buildings will have variations in temperature and comfort between their lee side and the aspect that receives the force of the wind. Analyzing these variations tells you the characteristics of microclimates on your site, and you can plant suitable species to thrive in those specific conditions, allowing them to fill a niche that they are adapted to thrive in. 15

16 6How can you divert the flow of air across the site? When you have determined the direction and strength of the airflows that affect your site, you can design your plot to divert wind away from plants and animals that cannot withstand those flows, as well as modify the air flow around buildings and other structures. This can be done by using fences or trees as windbreaks (a row of trees planted to divert wind away from a house can help reduce your heating bills, for instance), by modifying the topography of the site to channel air away from certain parts of it, and most of all by suitable siting of plant species. Guilds and interplanting can afford protection on a small scale to certain species by other, hardier ones, hardy plants can provide crops even if buffeted by wind, and trees can divert airflow away for lower-lying species. 7Does the soil allow for good aeration? It is not just above the ground that air plays an important role; the aeration of the soil is also crucial to the success of your planting. Having a good soil structure - one with lots of humus and with a good balance of clay and sand - not only ensures moisture percolates through the soil profile in the most efficient manner to allow plants and soil organisms to access as much of it as they need to survive and thrive, but also that both types of organisms get the oxygen they need to breathe and/or transpire. A well-aerated soil also tends to have a suitable structure to allow plant roots to work through it, accessing the elements they need and anchoring themselves deeply and securely in the ground. Adding organic matter and loose mulch material such as straw or wood chips that allows airflow helps aerate the soil. 16

17 8Are their pollutant inputs in the air? On a permaculture plot, the emphasis is on organic, natural methods of cultivation, including avoiding adding pollutants to the air. However, such deleterious inputs can affect your site if they come from outside sources which you cannot control. For instance, nearby roads can add chemicals to the air (as well as generate noise) that may affect the health, not to mention the comfort, of your site) while local industry may also release undesirable emissions that can drift, across your plot. If your site is subject to such things you can design to alleviate them; for instance planting a row of trees with feathery foliage can help filter dust and other pollutants generated by vehicles on a nearby road. 9Can you harness the wind to generate power? Like rainwater, the wind is a free source of renewable energy. If you have the capability to capture it and convert it to useable power, you will lessen your energy bill, contribute to limiting the burning of fossil fuels, which drives global warming, and make yourself more energy independent. There are different types of wind turbine available that simply convert the wind into power for a specific task, such as powering a water pump, and others that generate power that you can store or sell back to the municipal system. There is an initial outlay of cost to purchase the equipment, and you will need to check local ordinances on wind turbine structures, but if viable, a turbine could prove very beneficial to your site in the long term. 17

18 50 THINGS CHECKLIST HERE'S A CHECKLIST OF 50 WAYS YOU COULD APPLY PERMACULTURE IDEAS TO YOUR SITE. Think of all the small ways you could save water in the home. From turning the tap off while you brush your teeth to fixing that dripping faucet. Even small changes soon add up, saving water and reducing water bills. Consider using greywater the "waste" water from the laundry and bathroom. As long as you use organic detergents, it's perfectly safe for use as irrigation on your garden beds just avoid spraying it directly on fruits and vegetables. Consider replacing paved paths in the garden with low-lying vegetation. This will reduce water runoff and increase biodiversity. Consider mulching your garden beds. Mulching with organic materials adds nutrients to the soil, preserves soil moisture (so less watering is needed) and prevents erosion by wind and rain. Think about installing solar power. The energy is free once you have the requisite equipment, and so will save on your energy bills over the long term. The initial cost can be off putting but increasingly you can arrange leasing or hire-purchase arrangements with solar power companies to offset or stagger the cost. 18

19 Consider harvesting rainwater. Water is a very precious resource and a lot of it simply runs off into the municipal drainage system. Diverting rainwater from the roofs of your buildings to storage units helps reduce wastage, means you use less municipal water as irrigation (so saving money) and gives you access to water even in times of extreme shortage (such as heat waves), making you more self sufficient. Think about how often you upgrade your digital devices. Do you really need the latest version of a smartphone, or that slightly larger TV? Looking after devices and only replacing them when they are no longer useable reduces waste and pressure on the mineral resources that go into producing them. It also saves you money. Consider canning and pickling your surplus fruits and vegetables. Doing so will give you access to foodstuffs even when those crops are not in season, will mean you don't have to buy so many groceries, and prevents the fruits and vegetables going to waste. They are also delicious! Consider building a pond. It will attract a great variety of wildlife, allows you to cultivate aquatic species of plants, thus increasing the biodiversity of your site, it provides a body of water for emergency use, and can be used to support fish or ducks. Think about when you irrigate your garden beds. Watering plants early in the morning or late in the evening gives the plants the most time to absorb the maximum amount of water before it evaporates, making for healthier plants and reducing your water use. 19

20 Consider starting a compost pile. By converting "waste" from the kitchen into compost for the garden beds you create a closed loop of energy, with the foods giving you energy when you eat them, and you giving the plants the foods came from energy by increasing the nutrient content of the soil. Think about how you use your washing machine. By only putting it on when you have a full load, and by reducing the temperature (even by just a few degrees), you save energy and water and thus money on your household bills. Consider drying your clothes outside. As the tumble drier is one of the most energy-hungry of all household appliances. Sure, outside drying may take a little longer, but think of the energy and money you are saving. Think about planting your crops in guilds. So they support one another and require less energy and intervention from you. Consider getting a few chickens, if you have the space. They help turn the soil, add nutrients to it via their manure, help keep pest insect populations under control, will eat scraps from the kitchen, and provide you with fresh eggs. Plus, they are cute, inquisitive and fun to watch. 20

21 Consider replacing your conventional light bulbs with energy saving versions. They save you money, use fewer resources, and last longer. Consider growing cover crops over the winter after your main harvest is over. This avoids leaving the soil bare (leaving it prone to erosion by wind and rain), and will add nutrients to the soil profile ready from replanting in the spring. Think about all the ways on object could be reused on the site before you throw it out. Most things can be repurposed somehow. For instance, a bucket could become a plant container, an old bath can be turned into a worm farm, or bottle tops can be utilised as a deer deterrent. Consider using native plants on your site. These species are the best adapted to your local soil and climate conditions, meaning they are more likely to thrive on your plot while requiring less input from you. Consider your neighbors. Respect and concern for other people is central to the ideas of permaculture, so always think about the effect something you do on your site may have on those around you, and talk to them about potential changes that will impact them. 21

22 Think about getting rid of your lawn. It requires lots of water and maintenance, but does not give you a yield. Transform it into growing beds and reap the rewards of a useable harvest. Consider sheet mulching to transform areas of weeds to viable garden beds quickly. Layering cardboard, compost materials and newspaper over weeds denies them sunlight so they can't photosynthesize. You can even plant crops into the sheet mulch to get a crop while clearing the unwanted plants. Consider making keyhole garden beds. This style of bed maximizes the. Viable planting space, meaning you get more yield from your site, and increases the amount of edge the interface between two environments which is the most dynamic part of an ecosystem. Think about ways to get some free manure. Local riding stables and farms will typically have lots of manure you can use. Composted, this manure will add loads of nutrients to your soil. Think about ways to cool your house. Adding a door or planting a deciduous tree to protect the building from the summer sun can moderate the temperature and mean you won't have to use the air conditioning so much saving energy and money. 22

23 Think about how you can attract birds to your site. Increasing biodiversity, instituting a body of water, and protecting them from predation by pet cats, will bring in birds, which will help keep insects under control, aid plant pollination and fill the garden with delightful birdsong. Consider using trees as windbreaks. This will protect more fragile plants from wind damage, create an environment that is more attractive to insects, birds and other wildlife, and modify temperature across the site, including on the home. Consider taking showers rather than having baths. Showers use less water and less energy to heat the water saving on water and heating costs. Think about how often you will visit a particular plant to care for it and harvest it. This will help determine the zones of your design, with those plants that you visit most often positioned closest to the home. Think about swapping surplus crops with your neighbors. Gardeners often have different varieties of fruits and vegetables from one another, and swapping amongst yourselves means food does not go to waste, you don't have to buy so many groceries, and you get a wider variety of food for your kitchen. 23

24 Consider using a wind turbine to convert wind power to useable energy. It could be a small one to power a water pump, say, or a larger one (local ordinances permitting) to supply some of your household energy. Either way you will be saving resources and saving money. Think about how the topography of your site affects how water runs off it. Water is a precious and essential resource for the success of your permaculture plot, so look at ways to modify slope to slow runoff, such as planting trees at the to of slopes, or building swales. Consider starting some of your crop plants indoors before the growing season starts. That way you can extend the growing period, having access to more yield from your plot for longer, and reducing the need to buy groceries. Consider installing a drip irrigation system for some of your crops. Such systems give a steady supply of water to the roots of plants, making them more efficient in their water use. Think about ways to reduce your carbon footprint. From using public transport more instead of taking the car, to buying local, seasonal ingredients to minimise food miles. Think about your electrical appliances when they are not in use. Turning them off completely rather than putting them on standby will save energy and reduce electricity bills. For instance, a microwave not in use is still drawing in electricity just to power the clock and you probably don't need another clock in the kitchen! Consider a herb spiral. These unique garden beds maximise the growing area, allow easy access for harvesting, and have a variety of microclimates across their surface meaning you can cultivate many different species. 24

25 Think about starting a worm farm. They are easy to set up, require minimal energy input from the gardener, and turn kitchen waste into useable compost, making a closed loop energy system on your permaculture plot. Think about instituting a forest garden. With the many different "layers" in a forest garden, you maximize the number of species you cultivate, as they can each find a niche at different heights, thus maximising yield. You also increase biodiversity, which will attract wildlife. Consider how you move between different activities in the garden and design so that they minimise energy expenditure. For instance, place the compost pile somewhere you would logically visit after checking the chickens, so you can dump the manure into the compost pile, rather than moving back and forth. Consider permaculture even if you don't have a lot of space. It is very adaptable. Even those with a courtyard garden can still grow fruit trees in containers or espaliered against a wall, grow vegetables and herbs in vertical gardens (in recycled plastic bottles hung up, for instance), and even construct a no-dig garden bed over the paving stones. Consider leaving the leaves that fall from deciduous trees on the ground, Rather than raking them up and throwing them away or burning them. They will act as natural mulch, releasing nutrients into the soil as they rot, which is particularly useful in fall and winter, resupplying the soil ready for planting in spring. 25

26 Think about selling your surplus crops at the local market. It will give you a potential extra income and will provide the local community with access to organic food, cultivated without chemicals and inorganic fertilizers. Consider catching the water you use to wash vegetables and do dishes. This moisture can be reused to irrigate the garden (just remember to use organic washing up liquid). Think about turning off all your appliances when you go on vacation. Plan to empty the fridge in the run up to your departure, and turn it, as well as your TV, entertainment devices and kitchen equipment, off at the wall when you leave. It will save energy and reduce you bills. Consider the local wildlife. Designing in harmony with nature is integral to permaculture. Of course, you can design to help keep insect populations under control or deter deer from eating your crops, but try not to impact upon the natural behaviors of wild animals too much. Think about your "mistakes" as opportunities for learning. Even when things apparently go wrong a crop doesn't grow as well as you expected, for instance, consider the lessons you can learn from it. 26

27 Think about sharing garden equipment with your neighbors. That way you don't all have to buy the same pieces of equipment, so you all save money, and you promote a collaborative and sharing community. Consider leaving part of your plot to "go wild". This gives you a chance to observe nature unencumbered and it is likely to attract insects and other wildlife to the native plants, so protecting your crops from too much undue attention. Consider testing the ph level of your soil. It is quickly done with litmus paper bought cheaply, and you can relatively easily alter the acidity or alkalinity of your soil by adding organic matter, to make the growing medium more beneficial to your crops. 27