Permaculture Gardens

This year we went all out, tearing both the front yard and side yard out, so we could put in a “Food Forest” permaculture style. Daniel and I are big on reading (books & Internet), watching youtubes, and then just jumping in feet first. It has always served us well, and we get things done. Things don’t always turn out perfect, but we learn, and that’s the whole point!

Permaculture gardens are a little labor intensive at first. We had to dig the trenches on countor to the way the land lays. Our goal was to collect as much water naturally within the man made swells. We planted heavy and close together, with lots of mulch. We also used the chop and drop method. When plants are done producing, we chop and drop and it becomes instant mulch. Once the initial work was done, it has been the lowest maintenance garden we have ever had. We had hardly any weeds, didn’t have to water as much, and it really flourished.

This year’s garden feeds us and then some. I really can’t wait until next year, I’m planning on adding more plants and perennials.

We will put the garden to bed for the winter with either a heavy straw or wood chip mulch. I have had success with both methods. Depends on what I can get my hands on.

I made my sauerkraut this year with cabbage from the garden.

Heirloom Tomatoes, they make me swoon.

My big boys, they are almost six feet tall this year, can you guess how tall my sunflowers are?

Our corn was super tall this year, as well.

This is a picture heavy post. I can’t help it, I love pictures of fresh garden produce, green plants, and dirt!

I have had this desire to grow cantaloupe and watermelon as long as I can remember, but our climate is a little on the cold side. We have hot days, but the night can dip too low for growing these gems. I decided this year would be different, I would hunt out some heirloom cold climate melon seeds and just do it! I figured why not? I sure am glad I tried 🙂 These mini versions were full of flavor and I now want to grow an entire field!