“Bangladesh faces severe problems as a consequence of storms, cyclones and floods. The ancient practice of floating gardens – beds of straw and water hyacinths on which crops are grown – is making a comeback in the face of increased floods.”
permaculture
Mixed Agroforestry and Aquaculture
A basic tenet of permaculture is for everything to have more than one use. In the example shown here, instead of having a fish pond separate from an orchard, agroforest or forest garden the two are integrated for increased efficiency. I’m starting to see this type of agricultural practice here and there. I imagine the idea sprang from growing fruit trees next to a lake or pond. If the surrounding land is about 6’-8’ (2m) above the water table, the tree roots can readily reach the water so no irrigation is needed after the first few years. There are lots of possibilities with this basic concept. The ratio of land to fish pond can be changed depending on what you want to produce the most of. The height can be adjusted according to the type of trees. And the overall size and shape can be adjusted to fit your homestead or farm.
Self-reliance in LA
“Erik Knutzen and Kelly Coyne have been farming their yard in Los Angeles for over a decade. In addition to a mini orchard and extensive veggie garden, they have all the instruments of an urban homestead: chickens, bees, rainwater capture, DIY greywater, solar fruit preserver, humanure toilet, rocket stove, adobe oven. But they don’t like to talk about sustainability of self-sufficiency, instead they prefer the term self-reliance.
Keyhole Vegetable Gardens
Keyhole vegetable gardens are:
– self-watering
– self-fertilising
– raised garden bed for the smaller types of vegetable plants.
Off Grid Tiny House with two kitchens
Another excellent video by Permies.com. This 12’x12′ cabin cost about $3,000.
“Matt, from Feral Farm, talks about a tiny house he built. This tiny house has a tiny kitchen space inside, and a much larger outdoor kitchen. Everything at Feral Farm is off grid, including this tiny house.
What If We Change Magazine: Green Gold
Thoughts on Vocational Training Centers for Ecological Restoration
John D. Liu permaculturist: “I’m often asked “What can I do to help?” to restore the Earth. Over the years I’ve struggled with the answer.