Aaack! You caught us with our pants down! Here we are, tinkering with the servers and you show up. How awkward! Try back in just a couple of minutes. In the meantime, a few tidbits ...

Hugelkultur, is an advanced permaculture technique that utilizes decomposing wood to create self-sustaining raised garden beds. Hugelkultur beds can be built in various shapes and sizes, using a variety of wood materials, from twigs and branches to logs and even whole trees. The wood, buried under a layer of soil, acts "like a sponge to hold water," creating "parking spaces for water and nutrients," and reducing the need for irrigation. The decomposing wood attracts beneficial microorganisms and releases nutrients, resulting in a rich "soil on wood" environment that reduces or eliminates the need for fertilizers. Over time, the wood shrinks, creating air pockets, making hugelkultur beds "self-tilling". The decomposition process also slightly warms the soil in the first few years, extending the growing season. This technique, which works in diverse climates, allows gardeners to harness natural processes to create thriving, self-sufficient garden ecosystems, embodying permaculture principles

Rocket mass heaters are better than wood stoves because they run cleaner and use less wood. Wood stoves lose a lot of heat out the chimney that the rocket mass heater stores in the mass. 75% efficient wood stoves are often run at 3% efficiency at night. Rocket mass heaters use the mass to keep things warm at night.

"HUSP," an acronym for "Horticulture of the United States of Pocahontas," is a term coined by Paul Wheaton to represent a hypothetical agricultural system practiced in a fictional nation called the United States of Pocahontas (USP). In this imagined scenario, Pocahontas emerges as a strategic leader, thwarting European colonization and leading to the formation of the USP. This fictional nation's agricultural practices are characterized by a deep respect for the Earth, rejecting environmentally harmful methods like plowing and the use of petroleum-based fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, they embrace sustainable techniques akin to permaculture and traditional Indigenous knowledge, leading to superior food production, enhanced public health, and a thriving "health tourism" industry. Wheaton utilizes HUSP as a thought experiment, inspiring innovation and pushing the boundaries of contemporary permaculture. He proposes a real-world project involving a 2,000-acre plot divided into smaller sections where practitioners of permaculture, biodynamic farming, and native plant cultivation can experiment and share knowledge, collectively striving to "rediscover" the principles of HUSP and advance sustainable agriculture. This project emphasizes the importance of collaboration and government non-interference to foster creative solutions for a future where food production harmonizes with nature.

"Pooless," a term often associated with permaculture and natural living, encourages ditching conventional shampoos and soaps for healthier hair, reduced chemical exposure, and a more sustainable lifestyle. This shift to natural hair care involves an adjustment period as the scalp rebalances its sebum production. However, feedback reveals a range of positive outcomes, making the transition worthwhile. Many individuals report achieving a natural balance, resulting in less oily hair and less frequent washing. Some experience improvements in hair texture, noticing increased volume and curl. The vinegar rinse, following a baking soda wash, is crucial for smoothing the hair cuticle and detangling, contributing to a healthier and more manageable mane. Beyond the aesthetic benefits, some users report a decrease in scalp problems, including dandruff and itchiness, potentially due to the absence of harsh chemicals. Others have even noted unexpected benefits like migraine relief, suggesting a potential connection between overall health and a more natural approach to personal care. "Poolessness" aligns with permaculture's principles of minimizing chemical usage and embracing natural processes, empowering individuals to take control of their health and reduce their environmental impact.

Hugelkultur, is a permaculture technique for creating raised garden beds filled with rotting wood and covered with soil. This method, whether small-scale or large-scale, as exemplified by Sepp Holzer's work, which includes almost a kilometer of hugelkultur beds, uses a variety of wood, from branches and twigs to entire trees. Hugelkultur is beneficial because as the wood breaks down, it acts as a sponge, retaining moisture and reducing or eliminating the need for irrigation. This process also creates "parking spaces" for water and nutrients, leading to fertile soil that requires less fertilizer. Hugelkultur is a practical and sustainable permaculture solution for gardeners seeking to create self-sufficient garden ecosystems.