The Arcadia Project

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • WHAT IS PERMACULTURE
    • MEET THE ANIMALS >
      • The Ducks
      • The Clydesdales
      • The Sheep
  • FOR YOU
    • RECIPES
    • Consultations
    • Classes & Workshops
    • Printables
  • BLOG
  • SHOP
  • SOCIAL
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • TikTok
    • SUBSTACK
  • PODCAST
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • WHAT IS PERMACULTURE
    • MEET THE ANIMALS >
      • The Ducks
      • The Clydesdales
      • The Sheep
  • FOR YOU
    • RECIPES
    • Consultations
    • Classes & Workshops
    • Printables
  • BLOG
  • SHOP
  • SOCIAL
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • TikTok
    • SUBSTACK
  • PODCAST
THE BLOG

Let's Play Permaculture: A demonstration in an alternative planting method

1/28/2022

 
I used my kids’ craft supplies and a few toy trees to illustrate a permaculture planting method. Creating sustainable systems like this combine perennials and annuals to create space for beneficial insects, birds, and wildlife to live. We can hold water and retain moisture. We can reduce pest pressure this way while maximizing our real estate for harvests. Grow up, not out.

In this demonstration, I start by showing a conventionally planted plot of strawberries. But how can we maximize this space to increase yields, retain water and relieve pressure from pests naturally?

We start by building swales or raised planting mounds from stones and other organic matter. From there we top off our mounds with soil. Next we create a water catchment system such as a fresh rainwater pond and start adding our overstory trees. In this case, I've chosen chestnuts. Next we plant midstory trees (smaller fruiting trees) and then introduce strawberries as our groundcover. Other understory crops that thrive with strawberries (such as asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, lettuce, tomato, peppers and herbs) are interplanted. Bushes such as gooseberries, elderberries and canberries are wonderful choices too. By growing vertically and interplanting companion crops, we have created food forest.


Comments are closed.

    Picture
    Blog content is authored by Angela, founder and steward of The Arcadia Project.
    Picture
    Picture

    Picture
    Picture

    For those interested in rescuing horses:
    ​FREE eBOOK!

    Picture

    The Sustainable Homestead is available NOW!

    Categories

    All
    Animal Husbandry
    Beekeeping
    Growing
    Holiday
    Horse Care
    Permaculture
    Phenology
    Recipes
    Sheep Keeping
    Simple Living
    Tales From The Farm
    The Flock

Inquiries can be sent to
THEARCADIAPROJECT  [at] gmail.com

instagram
SUBSTACK
youtube
tiktok
facebook
​pinterest

Most header images taken by Dasha Production.
​©2025 Axe and Root Homestead® LLC dba The Arcadia Project. All rights reserved.
Keep In Touch with The Arcadia Project