Consider applying permaculture practices when possible. These design systems and principles have prime directives. Care for the earth is # 1, take responsibility. Care for people and return surplus. Growing food produces yield, can create profit, and produces waste that should be recycled. Permaculture is becoming more self sufficient and sustainable using local resources and closing the loop. Everything in the system has a function, while creating natural control methods. Use a practical approach to problems facing modern society and learn how to be more self sufficient. A well designed system utilizes the proper placement of shade trees for energy efficiency. Create a food forest incorporating fruit trees, berries, vegetables and other suitable, edible plants. Choose plants that work in your climate zone. Prepare the soil beds for vegetable crops, seasonally, not only with annuals but perennials too. Like one of the last blogs, it starts with the soil! Develop a MASTER PLAN with zones and get started. YOU CAN DO IT! Benefits are endless. " Natural farming is a process of bringing your mind as closely in line as possible with the natural functioning of the environment so you can understand what needs to be done and what must be done to work in harmony with its processes" (Masanobu Fukuoka "One Straw Revolution").
When it comes to soil, our task is to imitate processes, to build up and keep it covered. Recycle local energy and nutrients back into the system. To plan efficient systems using polycultures and elements which fulfill more than one function. It is a task that requires more of us at the beginning, especially land with poor soil, but the benefits soon become evident when we pass through the heat of the summer without watering, fertilizing, cultivating, or weeding the soil that feeds us.
