Garrett Hohn

Since we knew it was just going to be occupied in the late spring to early fall, we didn't equip the unit with a heating source or pay much mind to thermal storage.  We did, however, leave permanent screened openings on both gable sides to all hot air to evacuate during the hot summer afternoons. There's also a cute little 12v ceiling fan that speeds up the process.  

Hey Darren,

My name is Garrett and I built this with my wife.  I don't know where Weaton Labs are, but I'm pretty sure he is in Missoula -- just a stone's throw away from us!  Anyways, should you find yourself near, shoot us a message and we will give you the grand tour!

Here is a recent feature Zillow did on us.  
https://www.facebook.com/Zillow/videos/640855916315837/

Fantastic input guys and gals. I burned through those Pilarski videos as well as a host of others. As it were, Pilarski's workshop is concluding two days after I get back. Jetlag permitting, I might be able to make one of the days.

Miles, I've got pictures but nothing taken with permaculture in mind. I'll post something up next week

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. It sounds like it's never to early to get started on this stuff. I am of the advantage that I don't need immediate yields. Thank you Amos for the Northwest specific species recommendations. Honestly, that has been the more intimidating part of the process.

I saw Paul at a farmer's market a couple of years ago and should have introduced myself; next time.

Hello there,

I'm a long time reader first time poster.

I've been reading/watching everything I can get my hands on in regards to permaculture, but before I put my first foot forward, I need a kick in the you know what . I currently do hydroponic and soil gardening while overseas so I have a pretty decent knowledge in that capacity but the freedom with permaculture is really intimidating.
I've got 20 acres of partial forested, off the grid land at about 4,000 ft altitude near Missoula, MT. The soil is sandy-loam. I've got a bare, compacted from heavy machinery patch of land that I'd like to do something with. I'm planning long-game here as I won't be expecting, nor do I need, any yield for the next 5-7 years.

Overall goals:
Establish a food forest. I'm not picky on what I plant. I'll eat whatever.
When I return, I don't mind daily upkeep, but in the meantime, I'm limited to 2 months of user input in the summer and 2 months in the winter.

Would growing buckwheat as a summer cover, winter rye as a winter cover before I leave and planting fruit trees a reasonable summer plan? Do I need to work on the soil for a year before I put trees in the ground? I've got access to some chicken and horse manure through my parents. Like I mentioned, I'm willing to take things slow.

I don't know if this is worth mentioning but I'm going to dig a couple of swales on the south facing hill. Also, I've got two, 2-year old hugel beds that I should have probably put mulch on two years ago. Fun, Fun!

Thanks, ~ G