About to Grow in the Subtropics! (Questions aplenty)

I am about to embark on a journey which takes place in the subtropics and I have many questions that have arisen. This forum seems capable of answering (or redirecting me) to at least half of them, I'm sure.

1) What plants should I plant? (and why?)

2) I need resources for seeds! (I've noticed that my area has no current seed resources - that I can find- and would love to know some that are organic and/or heirloom)

3) My Soil will be sandy... I know I must add tons of organic matter to it, but what else will aid in my practice?

4) Give me any and all additional information and encouragement that you can!


I am new to this website and happy to have found it. I have many resources on Permaculture (including the textbook by Bill Mollison) and would love to find more information by a viable resource such as this forum. I have lurked for long enough now to create a profile and I hope to spend much more time communicating with you all!

Happy growing to you all!

1) Sub- tropics to me means zone 8 +/-1, so any thing that grows in that winter temperature range you can grow.
That would mean all the annuals, a quite a few perennials.

2)Seeing as how I dont know if you are from south africa or usa or EU or India I cant name a specific vendor. If you give me the specific country/town I might be able to help.

3)Adding biochar will help alot, getting a soil test and adding the appropriate rock dust/minerals.

4) Lots of information just keep asking more specific questions and reading the forums

Hi Bobaba and welcome to Permies.

To help people answer your questions, your location becomes important. With location, others from that region can chime in and let you know what works (and doesn't) for them. All climatic zones have subregions and those subregions will have specific techniques, strategies and plant profiles that work best for them.

You can edit your profile to show your location so that it appears to the left under your name and be used as a quick reference guide to folks who want to answer your questions.

There are also regional forums where you can find others in your area: https://permies.com/forums/c/3/