If you’re a homesteader, chances are you’ve heard of permaculture. But do you know what goes in each zone? Zone 1 is the most important – it’s closest to your house and requires the most attention. Let’s learn about the essentials for planting a successful permaculture Zone 1 garden!
What is Permaculture?
Permaculture is an ecological design system that uses plants and animals to create sustainable environments. The goal of permaculture is to mimic natural ecosystems by creating self-sufficient gardens that don’t require additional inputs such as fertilizers or pesticides. The idea behind permaculture is to make use of nature’s patterns, designs, and relationships to create resilient systems. It focuses on maximizing productivity while minimizing labor and resources used
Zone 1: The Basics
Zone 1 is the area closest to your home and receives the most attention from you, the gardener. This zone should include any plants or animals that require frequent maintenance such as weeding, harvesting, pruning, etc. Some examples of Zone 1 plants include vegetables like tomatoes or peppers, herbs like basil or cilantro, berries like strawberries or blueberries, dwarf fruit trees like peaches or apples, and flower beds with annuals like zinnias or marigolds. Animals in this zone can include a few laying hens or ducks (for eggs)-don’t put your meat chickens in this zone, rabbits (for meat), and a goat or sheep that is currently lactating (for milk). In addition to these food-producing elements this zone could also contain a compost bin for kitchen scraps, birdhouses for attracting beneficial insects, water features for wildlife habitat and other elements that will help support a thriving ecology within your backyard ecosystem.
Making Use of Resources in Zone 1
Zone 1 doesn’t have to be all about producing food – it can also provide other benefits such as providing habitat for beneficial insects and birds or reducing energy costs through passive solar heating/cooling methods. Plants can also be grown in this zone specifically for their soil-building properties; nitrogen-fixing legumes such as peas and beans can help replenish soil nutrients while deep-rooted perennials such as comfrey can add organic matter back into depleted soils. Additionally bee hives placed strategically in this zone can increase pollination rates throughout your entire garden by up to 10x! Finally don’t forget about the importance of water conservation – rain barrels placed near downspouts can help capture precious rainfall which would otherwise be lost due to runoff from impermeable surfaces such as driveways or sidewalks. With some thoughtful planning you can easily turn your Zone 1 garden into a productive oasis!
Conclusion
With some careful planning and consideration, you can turn your permaculture Zone 1 garden into a productive oasis! By utilizing nature’s patterns and designs – including growing nitrogen-fixing legumes for soil building purposes – along with taking advantage of passive solar techniques for reduced energy costs; adding water features for wildlife habitat; setting up bee hives for increased pollination rates; installing birdhouses for beneficial insects; placing rain barrels near downspouts; etc., you’ll find yourself with a flourishing ecosystem right outside your door! So get out there and get planting! You won’t regret it!