How To Create The Right Permaculture Design Like A Pro?

If you have searched for this, then you must be a “green” lover.

But, more than that, you value the environment & understand the importance of “sustainability”. 

However, did you know modern agricultural practices produce 11% of the total global production of carbon Dioxide?

Now, can you stop this? 

Definitely not. 

But can you feed the world? 

Well, yes!

At least, you can farm your own food through sustainable farming processes that do not negatively affect the environment. 

So, learn how you can take care of yourself, the people around you, & of course, the earth & nature in this guide of permaculture design.

What is The Permaculture Design Concept?

You know what?

Permaculture is a bit different from other farming techniques. 

Wondering why?

It is more of a conceptual idea. Also, proper design implementation requires ethical consciousness, the urge to make the earth a better living space, & strategic knowledge.

Permaculture design is a methodical collaboration of the right concepts fostering healthy relationships between different natural components in a definite pattern.

The prime moto of this farming approach is to work with nature’s flow; not against it!

3 Fundamental Ethics Of Permaculture Design

Care For Earth

Permacultural farming techniques always prioritize environmental health. Precisely, a true permaculturalist loves the earth just like you do!

Care For People

This farming approach also focuses on the betterment of human lifestyle by producing organic food & providing them with earning opportunities. 

Fair Share

This is probably the most vital ethical perspective associated with this concept.

It preaches about taking only that much from nature which you actually need. So. you should avoid collecting more than what you need.

12 Basic Permaculture Design Principles To Follow

Observe Well

“In design, Mother Nature is our best teacher.”

And truly so!

Observe the nature around you & learn from it. If you want a greener earth, work with nature.

Store Energy

“Nothing’s ever gone.”

The earth is full of energy. But you need to learn how to store & use it for your benefit.

For example, if you can produce your own food, you get back or absorb all the farming energy that you put in through food. 

Also,  it is great for storing solar energy directly or indirectly with passive solar designs. Moreover, your good intentions will motivate the designers & engineers to discover modern technologies that can store nature’s energy. 

Opt For Sustainable Yield

“Where I live, I am surrounded by fresh, organic food, so I eat really well.”

Not only the permaculture ethics motivate you to grow organic food, but also, it also gives you immense happiness & mental satisfaction. 

The first time, I noticed that my veggies were actually growing day by day, I was over the moon.

Trust me, watching your plants grow little by little is blissful!

Self-Regulation

“There is no greater delight than to be conscious of sincerity on self-examination.”

Learn to analyze your past activities & find out what could have been better. This way, you can welcome & appreciate “change” & evaluate your decisions for the right permaculture design. 

I always search for alternatives that can reduce environmental impacts and ways to reuse, repurpose, & recycle energy resources. 

Use Renewable Resources

“The future is green energy, sustainability, renewable energy.”

There is no denying that we rely on natural resources to sustain. But for how long can we do so?

It is high time to focus on finding renewable energy resources. For example, instead of using coal or fossil fuels, we can start using biofuel. 

Don’t Waste

“Buy less, choose well, make it last.”

Since we have only one earth to live in, why can’t we just make it cleaner & better?

I always aim to live a zero-waste lifestyle. 

Do you know what I do?

I shortlist only those items that I absolutely need, buy wisely, & try to recycle or reuse them. For example, I use old soft drink bottles as flower vases. Also, glass bottles make beautiful plant pots. 

So, resource wastage is a big “NO” for permaculture design preparation. 

Focus on Patterns

“Details matter. It’s worth waiting to get it right.”

Well, before you start to design the permaculture garden, it is vital that you look into the details. Take your time & analyze the patterns & designs to structure your masterpiece. 

Prioritize Integration

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

Your plants will thrive in a collaborative workspace. Not only do they grow healthier along with other plants, but you can also work together with your other community members. 

After all, permaculture is all about cooperation & aesthetics. 

Start Small

“Big things often have small beginnings.”

You know what? When I plan to create my own garden, I start by planting one or two plants at the window bar.

The step might be small, but it’s worth taking. Let’s start creating your permaculture garden by planting a few of your favorite veggies or flowers. Trust me, the final result will blow your mind. 

Prioritize Diversity in Permaculture Design

“Diversity: the art of thinking independently together.”

Do you know what makes an initiative successful?

It’s a collaborative work culture. 

So, work together with your family members & plant diverse plants.

Value Edges

“You gotta use everything you possibly can!”

So, try to make every resource that you have at its best. For example, plant something if you have a little space left in your backyard. 

Be Creative 

“We can not become what we want by remaining what we are.”

The world is ever-changing. So, let’s embrace the change that nature & earth bring to us. 

Depending on the changing climate & season, you should respond to nature & re-shape your garden. 

4 Steps to Create That Perfect Permaculture Design

Now you know how to effectively make use of all your resources. So, let’s check out the vital steps to create that perfect permaculture garden of yours. 

Observe Patterns & Plan Effective Designing

• Observe your surroundings well & roughly chalk out a design for your garden.
• Plan thoroughly how to use your resources well.

Survey The Site, Draw Base Map, & Record Data

• Create base maps defining the geographic & demographic data.
• Inspect the site & note down the important facts.
• Divide your land into different zones & Plan how to manage the water resources.

Analyse The Design & Work Towards It

• Set your Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, & Time-Bound (SMART) goals.
• Fix issues that you might found out in the design draft & try to look for better alternatives.

Implement, Maintain & Evaluate

• Implement your gardening design & start working & planting your flowers, trees, veggies, or shrubs. 

• Consider the availability of your resources & manage them if unavailable.
• Try to maintain your creation with disease prevention measures & be ready to modify your design if necessary.
• Try to find out what works best for your plants. 

8 Common Permaculture Design & Patterns

Spirals

This type of garden with stone-built walls resembles the shape of sunflower seeds or a snail’s shell is usually smaller. Specifically, the builders design its slope at a 30-degree angle to prevent soil erosion. 

Streamlines

This particular pattern resembles the shape of birds, fishes, & airplane structures. Also. the free movement of air & water makes reduced & effective usage of resources. 

Waves

These motion-patterned gardens are prevalent in sand dunes & water ripples are beneficial for smooth energy transfer. However, if you want to create such a pattern, consider the topographical factors. 

Branches

This garden design is excellent for equal distribution of natural resources and is visible in river deltas & tree limbs. But, try to maintain the balance of the branching system, for easy maintenance. 

Lobes

This particular permaculture design is great for space utilization & perfect for creating garden beds. However, make sure you supply the vital nutrients to all plants placed even at the corners. But, I suggest that do not raise the garden bed more than 4 feet for easy access. 

Nets

These garden designs look like spider webs perfect for polyculture or planting diverse flowers or trees. Basically, it ensures a healthy relationship between the multiple garden components for stable & constant production. 

Scatter

I think this is the most beautiful garden pattern!

Looking like the dispersion of plant seeds or scattered light, it is perfect for planting diverse seedlings & abundant production. Also, you can use this pattern for forest gardening that resembles the natural forest. 

Moreover, consider the individual germination requirements for each seed so that it does not promote competition among them for resources.

How to Become A Permaculture Designer: 3 Tips

Join A Course

If you want to become a successful permaculturalist, you can join online courses or attend workshops. 

However, I did not join any permaculture design course. Rather I decided to learn from online videos & explore my creative mind by inventing new patterns. 

Learn From Experts

If you know any professional permaculturalist personally, do not forget to seek their advice.

Gather Practical Knowledge

This is my personal suggestion to you!

Until you observe nature or plan the garden design by yourself, you can not explore your potential. It’s ok if you make mistakes. But learn from them & re-design your garden from scratches.

Are You Up For Your Unique Permaculture Design?

Do you know what’s the best part of permaculture?

They are inspired by natural ecosystems & unique human creativity. 

So, if you want to create beautiful productive systems without compromising on nature’s aesthetics, it’s for you!

Are you ready to work in harmony with nature?

Then, what are you waiting for?

Structure a new garden based on your imagination, knowledge, demographic & climatic aspects, and availability of natural resources.

I hope you find true happiness in creating your own permaculture garden through sustainable practices. But do not forget to include your family members or local community members for a better & regenerative future.

Let me know which permaculture design or pattern you liked the most by commenting down below. 

Frequently Asked Questions