Thinking about Establishing a Home Permaculture Garden in 2022? 6 Key Benefits You Shouldn’t Overlook

Have you ever wondered why humans have to invest so much time and energy into growing plants that grow all by themselves in nature? Permaculture gardening may be the answer. Permaculture is a style of agriculture that aims to work with nature rather than against it. The result is self-sufficient, sustainable crops and plants. 

Though it may seem intimidating or complicated, permaculture is just about using what’s available to you in your immediate surroundings. That means that if you’ve ever dreamed of growing your own garden full of food and herbs, you can jot it down on your New Year’s resolution list as an easy, attainable goal for 2022.

 

 

How to start a permaculture garden 

Like any good project, you’ll need a few things before you can get your hands dirty playing in your new garden. First and foremost, you should familiarise yourself with your surroundings and resources. For example, how much space do you have? Are you planting in your backyard or on a balcony? Is there a community garden or rentable plot where you can start your garden? 

Next, you’ll want to consider the ecosystem where you live. What are the native plants and insects? Which vegetables and fruits are native to the area, and what are their seasons? The goal is to work with nature as much as possible, so you’ll want to consider what occurs in your area naturally before planting non-native species.

After you’ve done your research, you can design and build your garden beds depending on your spatial resources and how much you plan to grow. If full-sized wooden plant boxes aren’t on the cards for you, you can also turn to good old-fashioned pots and planters from supply retailers like GardenTap. You’ll also want to stock up on all of the essential typical gardening supplies, such as shears, gloves, spades, and harvesting tools. 

Lastly, you should consider the ecological impact of anything you do in your garden. Permaculture is about treating the Earth with respect, so research the effect of your agricultural pursuits on the local soil, animal population, and native plant species before doing anything significant to the landscape.

Now that you’ve got your permaculture toolkit primed and ready to go, here are six key benefits of starting your garden in 2022. 

 

Builds trust in food 

Many Americans today are far removed from our food sources. With widespread distrust surrounding the agricultural industry, the average grocery shopping trip can raise questions about whether these food sources are entirely safe. If news reports of the latest E. coli outbreak or pesticide health impacts have your hair standing on end, a permaculture garden is a perfect way to know exactly where your food has been. 

 

Lessens food insecurity 

Community gardens are an excellent way to fight the impacts of food insecurity on our neighbourhoods. When everyone has a hand in how well the crop does and everyone is welcome to take what they need to feed their families, the entire community thrives. 

 

Promotes public health 

About nineteen million Americans live in “food deserts,” areas where access to fresh food is inconvenient or impossible due to the distance to the nearest grocery stores. In these areas, people make do with pre-packaged, highly processed foods, which unfortunately come at a price for their health. Permaculture gardens are a potential solution to America’s food desert problem because they put food in the hands of the people. 

 

Supports the environment 

Mass agriculture and factory farming are some of the largest sources of CO2 emissions out of any sector. Producing food for profit rather than public utility means that large conglomerates often don’t consider environmental impact, soil health, or water consumption. Permaculture follows a philosophy of respect for the environment, and the use of sustainable fertilisers and in-season crops means that it’s better for your carbon footprint. 

 

Slashes your monthly grocery bill 

If you cringe every time you look at your grocery store receipts, permaculture gardening could be the boost your food budget needs. When you’re growing your own food, you reap all of the benefits of organic, fresh food without paying a premium at the supermarket. 

 

Supports local wildlife 

Plants are crucial to the survival of butterflies, bees, and birds and vice versa. You can make your permaculture garden pull its weight in the local ecosystem by planting flowers that support local bee populations. 

 

Parting shot 

Even if you never pictured yourself as someone with a green thumb, the benefits of permaculture gardening are hard to overlook. With a bit of research and TLC, you can grow your own food and feed conservation efforts all in one.