This example shows some recent work for a garden in Tennessee. This is in zone 7a, with a frost free period of 190 to 200 days, mean annual air temperature of 57-61 degrees F, and 46-60 inches annual precipitation. The predominant soil of this area is a silt loam, free draining and moderately acidic. OneContinue reading “Case Study: Tennessee Permaculture”
Tag Archives: food production
Case Study: Aiming for Self-Sufficiency
This is a design for a smallholding for a couple with this fairly modest piece of land in SE Scotland who are aiming for as much self-sufficiency as possible. The couple already grows some fruits and vegetables but wished to create a design which would allow them to increase their resilience and self-reliance. The coupleContinue reading “Case Study: Aiming for Self-Sufficiency”
Identifying Future Potential in Sustainable Agriculture
Agriculture is entering a period of massive disruption – whether farmers like it or not. There is an urgent need for reform within the farming sector and mitigation and adaptation are both crucial not just for farmer’s profits, but for the future of us all. This may be an extremely worrying time for many farmersContinue reading “Identifying Future Potential in Sustainable Agriculture”
Sustainability in Communities
Building a stronger sense of community is crucial for the transition to a more sustainable way of life. In the past, everyone belonged to strong local communities – everyone knew one another and it was normal to know all your neighbours. Few of us are lucky enough to be in the same position today. ThoughContinue reading “Sustainability in Communities”
Integrating Housing With Food Production
Following on from yesterday’s post, I thought that today I would briefly outline some of the ways that architects, city planners, growers and permaculture design can come together to rethink how we formulate our built environments and produce food. More joined up thinking is urgently needed – but what exactly does integrating housing with foodContinue reading “Integrating Housing With Food Production”
Permaculture Design: Collaboration With Architects
As a permaculture designer, I often work closely with architects on new build or renovation projects. I feel that it is very important that designing the build environment go hand-in-hand with designing for the surrounding site. Unfortunately, all too often, architects only give cursory consideration to landscaping. Though sustainable architects are expert when it comesContinue reading “Permaculture Design: Collaboration With Architects”
Could You Farm Your Neighbours’ Front Yards?
Tomorrow I will share a very interesting case study which shows that it can be a great idea to talk to your neighbours. One enterprising gardener decided to speak with his neighbours about using their grass front yards to grow food. Though this gardener does have his own garden, he was frustrated by lack ofContinue reading “Could You Farm Your Neighbours’ Front Yards?”
Case Study: Community Hub
This is a design for a brownfield site in an inner city area in the UK (USDA Zone 8). To the north and east are apartment buildings and there is an existing car park to the north east. To the west and south are busy roads, major conduits through a busy residential area. The areaContinue reading “Case Study: Community Hub”
How To Support Sustainable Farmers and Food Producers
One of the big questions that we need to ask ourselves as we transition to a fairer, greener future is how we can make life better for sustainable farmers and food producers. The current agricultural systems have to change. But we cannot make that change without providing support for sustainable farmers and food producers. SupportContinue reading “How To Support Sustainable Farmers and Food Producers”
Food and Society – How Can We Fix What’s Broken?
Those of you who are familiar with key issues in sustainability will no doubt already be well aware of the problems with our current agriculture and food systems. Millions go hungry while waste is enormous, and many people in developed nations have too much food rather than too little. Around the world, farmers struggle byContinue reading “Food and Society – How Can We Fix What’s Broken?”