Summer Permaculture Pickens

We are well on the way to piles of ripe fruit! Come share in the bounty and experience the abundance of an established Permaculture homestead!

Picking ripe fruit on a permaculture farm is not only a rewarding experience but also an essential part of the permaculture principal “Obtain a Yield”

Find out what is in season, Contact us and Schedule your Permaculture Picking Experience!

1. Fruit ripen at different times throughout the season. Wait until the fruits are fully ripened before picking them. This will ensure they are at their peak flavor and nutritional value. Fruits have different signs of ripeness, such as color, texture, flavor and aroma.
2. Gather the necessary gear for picking, such as a baskets, buckets or flats. A sun hat and water bottle are also handy.
3. Handle the fruits with care to avoid bruising or damaging them. Use a gentle twisting motion to detach the fruits from the plant, being mindful not to harm the surrounding branches or stems. Avoid dropping or throwing the fruits into the collection container.
4. Depending on the fruit, different harvesting techniques are used. For example, for tree fruits like apples or peaches, a ladder might be needed to reach the higher branches. Berries can be easily hand-picked.
5. Separating different fruit varieties into separate containers will help maintain their integrity and quality.
6. Fruits and berries that are picked in-season tend to have higher nutritional value. This means you get the most vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds from these fruits.
7. Choosing local, in-season fruits and berries reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and storage. By supporting local farmers, you contribute to a more sustainable food system and economy.
8. Picking in-season fruits and berries allows you to enjoy a diverse range of flavors and textures throughout the year.

Permaculture farms prioritize regenerative practices and the health of the ecosystem. So be mindful of the plants and their surroundings as you pick ripe fruit, ensuring that you do not harm the plants in the process. Enjoy the abundance of nature’s bounty our permaculture farm!

What is a Food forest Guild?

A Food forest Guild, also known as a permaculture polyculture guild, is a sustainable planting technique that combines diverse plant species in a way that mimics natural ecosystems. It is a holistic approach to gardening or farming that aims to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and maximize yields.

In a Food forest Guild, different plant species are carefully selected and arranged based on their complementary characteristics. Each plant serves a specific purpose and supports the growth and wellbeing of the entire guild. These purposes can include fixing nitrogen, providing shade, attracting beneficial insects, preventing erosion, improving soil fertility, and more.

The plants in a guild interact with each other in a symbiotic manner, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. For example, certain plants may support the growth and health of others by providing shade, attracting pollinators, repelling pests, or improving the soil structure. This interdependence helps the guild thrive and reduces the need for external inputs such as fertilizers or pesticides.

By integrating different plant species with various functions, a permaculture polyculture guild can provide a range of benefits such as:

1. Increased biodiversity: The guild promotes a diverse mix of plant species, attracting a wide variety of beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. This biodiversity helps maintain a balanced ecosystem and reduces the risk of pest outbreaks.
2. Nutrient cycling: Different plant species have different nutrient requirements and uptake mechanisms. By combining plants with diverse root structures and nutrient demands, a guild can efficiently cycle and distribute nutrients throughout the system, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
3. Pest control: Some plants in a guild can repel or confuse pests by acting as natural repellents or decoys. Others attract predators that feed on harmful insects, creating a natural pest control system.
4. Soil improvement: Certain plants have deep taproots that can break up compacted soil, while others fix nitrogen or accumulate minerals from deeper layers and make them available to neighboring plants. This improves soil structure, fertility, and overall health.
5. Microclimate regulation: The diverse canopy structure created by the guild can provide shade, wind protection, and temperature moderation, creating a more favorable microclimate for plant growth and reducing the need for artificial irrigation or climate control.

By implementing Food forest Guilds, farmers and gardeners can create resilient regenerative systems that require less maintenance, minimize environmental impact, and provide a sustainable source of food and resources.