Start an Autonomous Permaculture Community Garden

Starting an autonomous permaculture community garden can be a rewarding endeavor

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started

Step 1: Gather a Group of Like-Minds

Find people in your community who are interested in permaculture and reGenerative Food Abundance. This could be neighbors, friends, local environmental groups, or even starting new communities. Hold a meeting to discuss your vision and goals for the garden.

Step 2: Find a Suitable Location

Look for a suitable piece of land for your garden. This could be a vacant lot, a portion of a public park, or even a large backyard. Make sure the location gets enough sunlight, has access to water, and is easily accessible for community members.

Step 3: Secure Permission and Resources

If the land is not publicly owned, you'll need to secure permission from the landowner. You may also need to get permits from your local government. Consider how you'll gather the resources needed for the garden. This might involve seeking donations of tools, seeds, and compost, or rallying community members to contribute their time and skills.

Step 4: Design the Garden

Design your garden using permaculture principles. Consider factors like sunlight, wind, water flow, and existing vegetation. Plan for diversity in your plantings to create a resilient and productive ecosystem. Remember to include community spaces, like seating areas or educational spaces.

Step 5: Prepare the Land

Clear any debris from the land and prepare the soil for planting. This might involve removing weeds, adding compost, or building raised beds. In permaculture, soil health is paramount, so consider soil-building techniques like sheet mulching or hugelkultur.

Step 6: Plant Your Garden

Start planting your garden according to your design. Remember to plant in guilds, or groups of plants that benefit each other. Include a mix of canopy trees, understory plants, shrubs, ground cover, and root crops.

Step 7: Establish a Maintenance Plan

Create a plan for maintaining the garden. This might involve regular weeding, watering, and harvesting. Consider creating a schedule where community members take turns caring for the garden.

Step 8: Engage the Community

Hold events to engage the community and educate them about permaculture. This could be workshops, garden tours, or harvest festivals. The more the community is involved, the more support you'll have for your garden.

Step 10: Celebrate

Celebrate your successes and share them with your community. Remember to enjoy the process and the bounty that your garden provides.