Permaculture is a complex method for the cultivation of agriculture ecosystems. The main aspects are diversity, stability and resilience. The philosophy is to work with nature and not against it. Permaculture is not primarily focused on a high yield but mainly on sustainability.
The participants of the course acquire the basic knowledge through a theoretical module and the practical implementation during one gardening season. On this foundation they can educate themselves to become experts of Permaculture in future years.
Objectives
Most of the food in modern societies is produced on large farms which cultivate plants in monoculture and use pesticides.
The permaculture course demonstrates a different kind of food production. The participants learn about the complex relationship in ecosystems: e.g. living conditions of different varieties, appropriate plant communities, soil composition and the importance of insects.
During the practical implementation many horticultural techniques are learnt: e.g. sowing, cultivation in cold frame, prick out of seedlings, pruning of hedges, construction of trellises for climbing plants, production of organic fertilizer, gathering and storing of seeds.
Materials
A plot of land (preferably with some shady areas).
Information material about “Permaculture” (books, videos, articles in the internet).
Seeds, seedlings, plants.
Suitable soil (if not a available it is necessary to produce it with topsoil, compost, organic fertilizer).
Material for mulching (e.g. straw, woodchips).
Mini-greenhouse / cold frame.
All kinds of gardening tools (spade, hoe, pruning shear, rake, watering can).
Storage boxes for seeds.
Implementation
The course consists of two modules.
- For the theoretical part, books and multimedia tools are needed. Because this part is an indoor activity it can be completed during the winter period / bad weather.
- For the implementation of the practical module frost-free weather is necessary. However, during the winter, cultivation of seedlings in cold frames or mini-greenhouses is possible, ready for the warmer weather.
THEORETICAL PART
At the first meeting give the participants a short introduction about Permaculture. It’s important to show them visual images of permaculture using photos or videos.
At the next step give the participants tasks to do. They should research specific aspects of Permaculture and present the information to the other participants. For this step several days are necessary, because the topic needs time for thinking and discussion. The results of the research are printed and all participants are given a copy.
PRACTICAL PART
If a new bed is to be established an appropriate plot must be found. An important aspect is the soil composition. If necessary the plot has to be cleared and the soil has to be improved with topsoil or organic fertilizer (e.g. horse dung). In addition, an investigation should be undertaken as to how long which parts of the plot are in shade or exposed to the sun. According to these results (and the knowledge about appropriate plant communities) the participants have to decide which plants should planted in which part of the bed.
During the cold season the participants sow seeds in mini-greenhouses or a cold frame in order to cultivate seedlings.
When the frost-free period has begun the seedlings can be planted in the bed and further seeds sown.
The plants are mulched with straw or woodchips.
If no irrigation system is available the participants have to develop a method to ensure the plants are watered. Each participant should be involved in the watering.
Evaluation
At the end of the theoretical part the participants gather and write down on a document in keywords what expectations they had / what they have learnt / what they expect from the practical part.
During the practical part the participants should evaluate the work every week or every 2 weeks. The results of the gardening activities have to be constantly discussed, failures analyzed and solutions found.
The practical part ends at the end of the gardening season. Also at this phase the participants have to write down their expectations of the course, their experiences and suggestions for improvement.
Συμβουλές
Contact with an expert of Permaculture is useful, but not absolutely necessary. The participants can also find a lot of information on the internet and in books.
Because the concept of “Permaculture” is very complex and sophisticated the implementation is mainly suitable for adults.
However, by means of explanation and practice of some aspects children can also be introduced into this kind of agriculture.
The participants must have the willingness to acquire extensive knowledge over a long period.
The participants must cooperate because many details have to be discussed and decided (e.g. design of the bed, soil composition, appropriate plant communities).
