Tips for permaculture beginners: the adaptive cycle model
In this video, Tiyana explores the adaptive cycle model for socio-ecosystems and provides five practical tips for beginners to implement permaculture practices in their gardens. The adaptive cycle model is a framework that describes the four phases of change in a socio-ecosystem: growth, conservation, release, and reorganisation. Understanding this model can help permaculturalists design resilient systems that can adapt to disturbances and changes in the environment. In addition to learning about the adaptive cycle model, we will also provide some tips for beginners to get started with permaculture gardening. Whether you have a large plot of land or a small balcony, these tips will help you design a sustainable and self-sustaining garden that benefits both you and the environment.
Invest in perennials
Modern farming has evolved to mostly use annual crops due to several factors. Annual crops, such as wheat, corn, and soybeans, have higher yields and can be harvested in a single growing season, making them more profitable for farmers. In addition, modern farming techniques rely heavily on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, which are designed for annual crops and not suitable for perennial crops. These factors, combined with the demand for high yields and profitability, have led to the widespread adoption of annual crops in modern agriculture. However, this trend has led to several negative consequences, such as soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and dependence on synthetic inputs, which are unsustainable in the long term. Permaculture and regenerative agriculture offer alternative approaches that prioritise the use of perennial crops and sustainable farming practices.
Tiyana’s tip: Investing in perennial crops is a smart strategy for beginner permaculturalists who are looking to design sustainable and self-sustaining garden systems. Unlike annual crops, perennial crops have deep root systems that help to improve soil health and prevent soil erosion. They also require less maintenance and inputs, as they do not need to be replanted every year, which can save time and resources in the long run. Perennial crops also have the potential to provide a more diverse range of products, such as fruits, nuts, and medicinal herbs, which can be sold or used for personal consumption. However, it is important to note that investing in perennial crops requires a long-term vision and commitment, as it may take several years for the crops to become established and produce a harvestable yield; if you’re renting, you may want to invest in large pots or planter bags for your perennials! Nevertheless, by incorporating perennial crops into their permaculture designs, beginner permaculturalists can create more sustainable and resilient garden systems that benefit both themselves and the environment.
Prioritise your soil
Soil fertility is a crucial component for any permaculture garden, especially for beginner permaculturalists. It is the foundation of a healthy ecosystem that supports plant growth and biodiversity. Fertile soil contains a complex mix of organic matter, nutrients, minerals, and microorganisms that work together to support healthy plant growth. Without fertile soil, plants will struggle to grow, become more susceptible to disease, and require more intervention and inputs to maintain. Therefore, beginner permaculturalists should prioritise building soil fertility by incorporating organic matter, practicing crop rotation, companion planting, and minimising soil disturbance to create a sustainable and self-sustaining garden system.
Tiyana’s tip: Buckwheat is a versatile cover crop that can be used by beginner permaculturalists to improve soil fertility. Buckwheat grows quickly and can be grown in a variety of soil types, making it an excellent choice for rejuvenating tired or depleted soil. The plant’s roots exude compounds that help to stimulate soil microorganisms and break down organic matter, which in turn releases nutrients into the soil. Buckwheat is also an excellent source of phosphorus, an essential nutrient for plant growth. When buckwheat is grown as a cover crop and then tilled into the soil, it can add significant amounts of organic matter and nutrients to the soil, improving its overall fertility. Additionally, buckwheat attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to any permaculture garden. Overall, incorporating buckwheat into a permaculture design is an excellent way for beginner permaculturalists to improve their soil fertility and create a more sustainable and self-sustaining garden system.
Keep organised
Organisation is essential for new permaculturalists to manage their project successfully. A permaculture project involves a range of activities, from planning and designing to planting and maintenance. Without proper organisation, it can be challenging to keep track of all these tasks and ensure that they are completed on time. To stay organised, new permaculturalists should create a clear and detailed plan, including a timeline and a list of tasks. They should also keep a record of all their activities, such as soil tests, plant lists, and garden layouts, which can be referred to later on. Using tools like spreadsheets, calendars, and databases can also help new permaculturalists keep track of their progress and stay on top of their tasks. Additionally, setting realistic goals and priorities can help new permaculturalists manage their time effectively and focus on the most critical aspects of their project. Overall, organisation is key to the success of a permaculture project, and new permaculturalists should make it a priority from the outset.
Tiyana’s tip: Keeping a database in Notion can be a valuable tool for beginner permaculturalists looking to manage their permaculture design project. Notion is a versatile software that allows users to create databases, tables, and lists that can be customized to suit individual needs. By creating a database in Notion, beginner permaculturalists can keep track of important information such as plant lists, garden layouts, and soil tests. They can also organize their design project into separate pages or categories, making it easy to find and access the information they need. Notion also allows users to collaborate with others, making it an excellent tool for group projects or community gardens. Additionally, Notion’s calendar and task management features can be used to set goals and deadlines, ensuring that the project stays on track. By using Notion to manage their permaculture design project, beginner permaculturalists can stay organized and focused, leading to a more successful and sustainable garden system.
Get creative: be resourceful
Resourcefulness and creativity can be invaluable for beginner permaculturalists, as they can help to overcome challenges and find innovative solutions to problems. Permaculture involves designing and managing sustainable systems that are self-sufficient and productive, which requires a diverse range of skills and knowledge. Beginner permaculturalists may face a range of challenges, such as limited resources, unpredictable weather, or pest and disease outbreaks. In these situations, resourcefulness and creativity can help them find alternative solutions and work with what they have. For example, they might use recycled materials to create garden structures or find ways to collect and store rainwater. They might also experiment with new planting techniques or companion planting strategies to improve soil health and increase yield. By being resourceful and creative, beginner permaculturalists can also reduce their reliance on synthetic inputs and costly equipment, making their gardens more sustainable and affordable. Overall, resourcefulness and creativity are important skills for beginner permaculturalists, as they can help them overcome challenges and create more sustainable and resilient garden systems.
Tiyana’s tip: Go back over, or add to the SWOT analysis you conducted in the previous lesson, making a note of all the resources you have available to you, either on your property, or from family friends, and your community. How might these resources contribute to any potential strengths and opportunities?
Thinking in systems: the Adaptive Cycle Model
Learning how to think in systems is essential for beginner permaculturalists as it enables them to understand and design garden systems that work in harmony with nature. Permaculture is based on the principles of ecology and sustainability, which means that all elements of a garden system are interconnected and affect each other in various ways. Beginner permaculturalists must learn how to think in systems, as it allows them to understand how the different components of their garden, such as plants, animals, and soil, interact with each other. By thinking in systems, beginner permaculturalists can identify the underlying patterns and relationships within their garden system and design solutions that address the root causes of problems rather than just treating the symptoms. This approach helps to create more efficient and resilient garden systems that require less input and are less susceptible to problems such as pests and diseases. Ultimately, thinking in systems is crucial for beginner permaculturalists, as it allows them to create sustainable and self-sufficient garden systems that work in harmony with nature.
Tiyana’s tip: The adaptive cycle model can be a valuable tool for beginner permaculturalists, as it provides a framework for understanding and managing change within garden systems. The adaptive cycle model describes the different phases of change that ecosystems go through over time, including growth, conservation, release, and reorganisation. By understanding these phases, beginner permaculturalists can identify the current state of their garden system and plan interventions that are appropriate for that phase. For example, during the growth phase, beginner permaculturalists might focus on maximising production and establishing new garden components. During the conservation phase, they might prioritise maintaining the stability and resilience of their garden system. During the release phase, they might focus on managing the decline and recycling of resources. Finally, during the reorganisation phase, they might plan for the regeneration and renewal of their garden system. By using the adaptive cycle model, beginner permaculturalists can make more informed decisions about their garden design and management, which can help to create more sustainable and resilient garden systems over the long term.