Permaculture gardening projects can help transform your backyard. If you're looking for ideas for your weekend garden, why not consider doing one or more of these easy DIY permaculture gardening projects?
By integrating permaculture gardening into borders and veggie beds, gardeners can create sustainable and renewable outdoor spaces that benefit themselves, wildlife, and the local environment.
Permaculture and organic gardening practices focus on working with nature rather than against it, and are often considered a holistic approach to gardening. Simply put, this includes growing a variety of food and ornamental crops, caring for the soil, and nurturing wildlife. Here are some quick and easy weekend jobs that will help your backyard thrive in the coming months.
permaculture gardening project
Permaculture gardening projects don't have to be complicated. Small actions and changes in your backyard can make a big difference to the health of your plants and soil, while encouraging and protecting local wildlife.
1. Create some no-dig raised beds
Permaculture emphasizes the importance of soil health. No-dig gardening involves mulching the soil with compost instead of digging it up with a fork, which disturbs the soil ecosystem.
“The best way to improve soil quality is to feed earthworms,” says Ali McEnhill, a plant expert and owner of Old Dairy Nursery in the Hudson Valley. “The earthworms, in turn, feed the soil and aerate it.”
Please keep the cardboard. Or, ask your local store for empty boxes that are being tossed in the trash. “I save all the cardboard scraps I can get my hands on. Bugs like that,'' comments Ali.
“Put a layer of cardboard on top of the bed, then cover with compost, mulch, or leaves,” Ali says, as seen in the image above. “Depending on the weather and insect activity in your garden, it will disappear in just a few weeks.”
This simple project has great benefits for soil quality, improving bed structure, fertility, and moisture retention.
“Don't plow, don't dig. Plowing and digging destroys the natural soil layers, which will grow back over the years,” Ali added. In fact, improving soil quality now will improve crop yields for years to come.
Ali is a self-confessed plant geek, gardener, and breeder who owns and operates a plant nursery located in an old dairy farm in New York's beautiful Hudson Valley. Ali focuses on growing hardy perennials, trees, and shrubs that thrive outdoors even in cold climates.
2. Install rain gutters
Rainwater harvesting should be a priority for every homeowner. If you're considering a weekend permaculture gardening project and don't have a rainwater tank, you might want to consider installing one. Installation is quick and easy and can save water and reduce surface water runoff in your garden.
Rainwater tanks are a sustainable way to collect rainwater, usually installed next to a garden shed or greenhouse, to divert water from drains and store it. This can be used during the warmer months of the year, reducing the need to use tap water.
Harvesting rainwater is an important part of the permaculture philosophy. This quick and practical solution reduces water usage and promotes backyard sustainability through rainwater reuse.
Buy rainwater harvesting accessories
This rain barrel is made to combine functionality and style. Rainwater tanks help reduce dependence on water from municipal sources and reduce the energy demand for tap water for garden and gardening purposes.
Rainwater diverter
A rainwater collection device that is installed in a downspout and transfers rainwater to a rainwater tank. This rainwater collection diverter is made of sturdy premium metal material with waterproof and rust-proof surface.
This is a sustainable solution that reuses rainwater for watering your garden. This rainwater tank can save you up to 40% a year on your water bill. This portable rain barrel is made of PVC frame and PVC mesh fabric. Designed for long-term use.
3. Build a compost bin
Setting up a compost bin in your garden is a great way to produce your own organic matter that can provide nutrients to your backyard border. Composting is an important aspect of permaculture, improving soil quality, encouraging the growth of earthworms and microorganisms, and improving soil structure and fertility.
Many gardeners may choose to build their own open-top compost bin using wooden pallets or spare wooden boards, as seen in the image above. You don't have to line this crate up, but you do need to make sure there are gaps for ventilation.
You'll need to add water from time to time, but it's also important to have a cover to prevent rain from entering the pile. This will also help keep the warmth inside the compost bin.
Large backyards will require larger or multiple compost bins, so build your compost bin to suit the amount of space you have. The best place to set up your new compost bin is in a sheltered area with partial or full shade, ideally out of sight and away from your home. Ready-made compost bins are also available that are quick and easy to assemble.
FAQ
How can you incorporate permaculture principles into your small garden or terrace?
Even small backyards, terraces and balconies can follow permaculture principles. Choose a variety of edible and ornamental shrubs and flowers that are well adapted to your climate and grow them in containers to encourage pollinators. Grow as many plants as possible, but avoid using pesticides and fertilizers and follow organic gardening practices. You might also consider providing habitat for wildlife, such as bird boxes or insect hotels.
You can experience the many benefits of holistic gardening by implementing permaculture gardening projects into your garden, such as no-dig gardening, installing rainwater harvesting systems, and building compost bins.
If you're looking for a fun project to do with your kids, consider creating a bug hotel in your backyard to encourage insect and insect activity.