Where to start: what permaculture projects should I be doing?

I am new to the site and I posted this in the wrong spot last night. I think this is the correct place to post it. I would also like to thank you guys for giving me a space on here.

The whole permaculture thing appeals to me on a lot of levels. However, I will admit that it is all a little overwhelming. I have 5 acres of fairly flat land in the Northern part of Central Texas. I say it’s flat; it may have 2 foot of elevation change and the lowest part being centered of the property. The confusion is, do I do the Hugelkultur, regular swells, a tank (that’s what we call a pond around here) in the middle or what? I know that its about a lot more than how to plant. Its like a whole new way of thinking and all but there are lot of options on how to lay it out. Any advice?

If taking PDC course is an option that would be a great first step. If it's not - read Gaia's Garden by Toby Hemenway (most libraries have it). That should give you many good ideas.

Sorry but it's impossible to give a more direct answer here without so much additional information that by the time you're done collecting it, it'll take you more time than it would take you to read Gaia's Garden and the answer is still probably not going to be as good as your own because you spend so much time on this site (hopefully, carefully observing things there?) and none of us have even been there once.

Leon,
Thanks for the reply. I will try to find the book. I would love to attend a class/workshop but my work is pretty demanding and don’t think I will be able to do that anytime soon. I think you are correct in saying that I should do some more observations. The really sad thing is that I have own the land and even lived on it for the past 18 years and with the exception of a few gardens and flower beds the only thing I have done is mowed it. I realize now just how sad (stupid) I have been.

I have been gardening a little more the last couple of years and trying to learn everything I can. I just want to get started but I don’t want to do things more than once ( I know you are laughing by now lol). I bet you can tell one of the things that appeal to me is the less work thing. Anyway thanks again.

Ken

I've found it very helpful to look at other people's designs, even if they're in a very different climate. A couple I've found especially useful are the design maps on these links:

http://permaculturenews.org/2012/06/01/zaytuna-farm-video-tour-apr-may-2012-ten-years-of-revolutionary-design/

http://www.happyearth.com.au/garden-design/

I still struggle with the design aspect, after trying to learn about this stuff for years!

Good point Tyler and links. Thanks and BTW the projects are Groovy

Just starting planting something. Start seeds in tray and then move them outdoors. Experiment with many different plants, both annuals and perennials, to have a feeling for their conditions.

Keep in mind the issues of water, soil fertility, plant interactions. Observe whatever happens in your garden and in nature.

Keep in mind that planting polycultures is much better for soil fertility and avoiding pests. Realize the challenges of your area, possibly heavy rains and droughts. Observe how water behaves when it falls.

Also buy a few permaculture books or just read a lot of articles and posts in the internet. You will gradually gain more practical experience, by trial and error.

Also another tip: start small and with making small changes.

ken mart wrote:I am new to the site and I posted this in the wrong spot last night. I think this is the correct place to post it. I would also like to thank you guys for giving me a space on here.

The whole permaculture thing appeals to me on a lot of levels. However, I will admit that it is all a little overwhelming. I have 5 acres of fairly flat land in the Northern part of Central Texas. I say it’s flat; it may have 2 foot of elevation change and the lowest part being centered of the property. The confusion is, do I do the Hugelkultur, regular swells, a tank (that’s what we call a pond around here) in the middle or what? I know that its about a lot more than how to plant. Its like a whole new way of thinking and all but there are lot of options on how to lay it out. Any advice?

ken mart wrote: I just want to get started but I don’t want to do things more than once ( I know you are laughing by now lol). I bet you can tell one of the things that appeal to me is the less work thing. Anyway thanks again.

Hey man, I'm all for less work That's why I suggested learning about other people's mistakes first. Two years of testing stuff in the field can save you an hour in the library, as they say in the Corps of Engineers.

You're actually in the unique position to get it right the first time - you've been on the site for awhile, so you should know how it behaves in different situations. Try to remember/observe - where does the water flow/stand? What direction cold winter winds blow from? What parts stay shaded in the summer? Where there is frost after a cold snap? Where grass goes dormant first? Where birds like to hang out? and so on. Then look at the Zones and Sectors analysis and you almost have your rough design. Then start doing small things and watch what happens - this feedback will guide you from there.

And take PDC when you can

Good luck and keep us updated on the progress!

And most importantly Ken be sure to check out what Tyler is doing down your way.

https://permies.com/t/11215/projects/Ludi-permaculture-projects

That is all good advice and thanks again. You would really think that after living here as long as I have I would know all of the answers lol. Tyler has got some really cool things going on there. I wish I wasn’t still in the stone age but believe it or not I don’t have a digital camera at this time and my phone doesn’t have internet service. Well come to think of it I don’t have cable tv, trash service, as well as other conveniences. I must be an uncivilized barbarian. Anyway back to the point, I wish I had a way to upload some pictures to get some input. Maybe I can get another camera soon.

I do have a few projects going on. I have started a new garden area about 16 ft square for vegetables and have collected some wood to do a Hugelkultur bed. I built a 400 sq ft green house as well. It is my intention to give the aquaponics thing a try. I don’t know how well that fits into the pemaculture concept but it looks like a pretty promising way to grow some foods including fish.

Anyway I thank you all again
Ken

Hey Ken, Being an uncivilized barbarian sounds pretty good to me . Thats why I love my little place up in the hills of Wyoming.

Sounds like you are on your way. There is a big aquaponics place in Denver that is pretty awesome. When I get some time I want to try some of that too.