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"HUSP," an acronym for "Horticulture of the United States of Pocahontas," is a term coined by Paul Wheaton to explore a fictional scenario where Native American agricultural practices, similar to permaculture, dominated the United States. This concept envisions an alternate history where Pocahontas, depicted as a brilliant strategist, prevents European colonization, leading to the establishment of the United States of Pocahontas (USP). Within this fictional nation, agricultural practices prioritize respect for the Earth, rejecting destructive methods like plowing and the use of petroleum-based fertilizers and pesticides. HUSP speculates on the potential for superior agricultural output and societal well-being through these nature-centric methods. Wheaton uses the HUSP concept to inspire innovation and advancement within the existing permaculture community, aiming to accelerate progress towards more sustainable and effective food production systems. He proposes a collaborative project involving practitioners of various agricultural approaches, including permaculture, biodynamic, and native plant specialists, working on a 2000-acre plot divided into smaller chunks. This project aims to foster knowledge exchange and accelerate the development of HUSP principles in the real world.

Hugelkultur, meaning "hill culture," is a sustainable permaculture gardening method that uses buried wood to create raised garden beds. This technique involves layering logs, branches, and other woody debris at the base of the bed and covering them with soil. As the wood decomposes, it acts as a sponge, retaining moisture, improving aeration and drainage, and releasing nutrients, reducing the need for watering and fertilizers. Hugelkultur beds are ideal for growing various plants, especially those that prefer well-drained soil. By harnessing the natural process of decomposition, hugelkultur promotes a thriving garden ecosystem and aligns with permaculture's goal of sustainable systems.

Hugelkultur is a raised garden bed building technique where wood is buried ("soil on wood") under soil. Hugelkultur, which means "hill culture" in German, can be implemented on a small scale in backyards or on a large scale, as demonstrated by Sepp Holzer, a renowned permaculture practitioner who uses hugelkultur in his terraced gardens. This technique involves layering logs, branches, twigs, and even whole trees, creating a foundation for the bed. This buried wood becomes "a sponge to hold water", reducing or eliminating the need for irrigation. As the wood decomposes, it attracts beneficial microorganisms and creates air pockets, leading to nutrient-rich, fertile soil. Hugelkultur helps gardeners "grow a typical garden without irrigation or fertilization". This technique can be used to grow garden plants like "rhubarb", "potatoes", and more. Hugelkultur is an example of permaculture design, which emphasizes sustainability, self-sufficiency, and working with natural systems

The willow feeder system, developed by permaculture expert Paul Wheaton, offers a "freaky-cheap" and sustainable alternative to conventional septic systems and sewage treatment plants. This system employs a unique method of managing human waste, transforming it into a nutrient-rich fertilizer known as "willow candy." Unlike composting toilets, which rely on decomposition, willow feeders utilize sealed garbage cans to create a dry environment that mummifies the waste, effectively eliminating pathogens while conserving valuable carbon and nitrogen. A small amount of sawdust is added to each can, primarily for aesthetics. After aging for two years in these sealed containers, the resulting pathogen-free "willow candy" is ready to be applied as fertilizer. However, not all plants can handle the high nutrient content of this unique fertilizer. "Poop beasts", such as willow, cottonwood, poplar, and bamboo trees, thrive on "willow candy" and readily absorb its nutrients. The willow feeder system exemplifies permaculture principles by turning human waste into a valuable resource, fostering sustainable gardening practices and minimizing environmental impact. Paul Wheaton, a prominent figure in the permaculture community, has implemented the willow feeder system at his property, Wheaton Labs, and actively promotes it through his online platforms, including permies.com. He often refers to waste as a "feed" for another system, encouraging a shift in perspective towards a more holistic view of resource management.

HUSP, a concept representing advanced sustainable agriculture, goes beyond the current practices of permaculture, envisioning a future where food production systems have evolved over centuries of continuous optimization. The concept, inspired by traditional Indigenous practices, imagines a United States of Pocahontas (USP) where agricultural methods prioritize harmony with nature, rejecting environmentally harmful practices such as plowing and the use of petroleum-based fertilizers and pesticides. In this idealized future, HUSP leads to higher food yields per acre, improved human health, and a thriving health tourism industry. The realization of HUSP principles in the real world hinges on collaborative experimentation and knowledge sharing between practitioners of various sustainable approaches, including permaculture, biodynamic farming, and native plant cultivation. Such a project would require a supportive environment with minimal government regulation to encourage creative solutions and accelerate progress. HUSP aims to not only "rediscover" lost agricultural knowledge but to push the boundaries of sustainable agriculture, fostering innovation and leading to a future where food production systems are deeply integrated with natural ecosystems, producing abundant, nutritious food while maintaining ecological balance.