Permaculture is a system of wholeness with the Earth. It is a way of planning, implementing and taking advantage of the natural things that we have at our disposal without causing a negative impact on the environment.

To some people, permaculture may seem like a giant leap and a big change from the average backyard. However, there are some simple basic principles that can be applied to any garden.

Grow your own fruits and vegetables
Growing your own fruits and vegetables in your backyard is easy and can be adapted to any size of backyard. Fruits like strawberries and raspberries are easy to grow. Most seasonal vegetables can be grown in a home setting without extensive gardening experience.

Breeding and Breeding of Chickens and Rabbits
Raising rabbits and chickens serves many purposes. Chickens produce eggs and can be used for meat. Rabbits can also be raised for meat. Rabbits and chickens are also great at producing quality fertilizer and removing weeds from garden beds.

beekeeping
It’s not common for small backyards, but larger gardens might be suitable for raising bees. The art of beekeeping is something that should be well researched before starting.

rainwater harvesting
Rainwater tanks are almost a necessity in backyards today, exceptionally in a permaculture setting. There are many types of tanks available, from traditional corrugated iron to plastic and fiberglass models. Some tanks are designed as bladders that can be placed under the floors of houses. Modular units are also available and can be lined up along fences or house walls. These units can be added overtime, as the need increases.

Composting and culturing of worms
Composting is the lifeblood of an organic backyard and the same applies to a permaculture setting. All non-edible parts of a garden can be added to a compost heap: weeds, old mulch, hay, sawdust, chicken and rabbit manure. Worm farms are the perfect place to dispose of household waste, shells, etc.

power creation
Solar energy is ideal for permaculturalists. It is a common way of heating hot water and generating power in general. Other ways to create power include wind generation using small rooftop turbines.

We can all do little things in our own backyards to help contain our individual impact on the environment. Starting with a couple of easy-to-change habits and gradually introducing more as our experience grows.

Permaculture is not about megaphones and lunar plantations, it is simply a way of working with what we have and with rather than against nature.

And, of course, working with the environment and not against it benefits everyone. It’s also fun and relaxing.