Amateur Permie Enthusiast in Texas

My name is Davin, I am an amateur gardener, I have only had the privilege of caring for a small keyhole garden I made after reading "Gaia's Garden." I am moving back to North Texas after living in the Pacific Northwest for 3 years, while I love the area so much more for many reasons, I have to move. However, I am excited to say that I will have a lot more room to garden, however, I am quite overwhelmed with the thought and don't know where to start, I will sheet mulch a lot of the grass, and make some Hugulkultures, but as far as what plants to grow, I can't think of anything but common vegetables, most of which I have no experience with anyways. I've read a lot of things online, and bought a few books, but still, I feel so uneducated and inexperienced. While I know permaculture emphasizes the use of perennial plants, I Do not know how long I will stay in Texas, and as such don't want to put all my resources into something that's not permanent. Eventually I will be inheriting 19 acres of farmable land in Belize, and my end goal is to be self sufficient, and build a forest garden and keep animals, including bees, but that's not for another decade or so. I would appreciate a few tips on which plants to grow while in Texas I will be in Zone 8a, I saw a post about prickly pear cacti, which peaked my interest, Thank you in advance for the advice and I hope to be an asset to this community.

Asparagus is as cheap as say, planting tomato transplants, but will give decades of produce.  Its a gift you can leave behind. Its also pest free (at least in central tx)

BlackBerry is another that should grow well. Ive never had a pest issue.

Those two are the bulk of my non tree perennials.  I added horseradish this year but unsure of its longevity as of now. Too soon to tell.

wayne fajkus wrote:Asparagus is as cheap as say, planting tomato transplants, but will give decades of produce.  Its a gift you can leave behind. Its also pest free (at least in central tx)

BlackBerry is another that should grow well. Ive never had a pest issue.

Those two are the bulk of my non tree perennials.  I added horseradish this year but unsure of its longevity as of now. Too soon to tell.

Oh, great idea, Bush plants would be a happy medium, you reminded me of Jerusalem artichoke as well. I think I'll go for thornless blackberries, as thorns don't seem like a good idea in close quarters. Asparagus sounds like fun! I think I also may be able to grow elderberry, at least I hope so. I do have some daikon radish seeds, I read those were good for breaking up compacted soil, and I really need to get my hands on some Comfrey. Thank you so much for the input!

Welcome to permies!

You might want to consider edible landscapes.  I have seen some really nice ones.

While my zone is about the same as your, my ability to grow things is much different.

Some of the things I have read about that you might look into:

Good King Heny, Runner Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Garlic Chives, Walking Onion, and Elephant Garlic.

Also you might want to add some herb plants.

Anne Miller wrote:Welcome to permies!

You might want to consider edible landscapes.  I have seen some really nice ones.

While my zone is about the same as your, my ability to grow things is much different.

Some of the things I have read about that you might look into:

Good King Heny, Runner Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Garlic Chives, Walking Onion, and Elephant Garlic.

Also you might want to add some herb plants.

Wow! Thank you for all of the input, I need to compile a list of all the eligible plants I can grow and ways to procure them. I have a lot of work ahead of me hahaha!

Hi Davin
Reading your post I see you will be inheriting land in Belize. I'm wondering what are your plans for the land? I'm here in Belize now as an American ex-pat, and as well a Belizean citizen. I moved here to form an eco-village community.

I wouldn't restrict yourself to only perennial veggies, annual veggies grow fast tend to be relatively easy, and it's important to grow what you like to eat.  As long as you use compost and treat your soil right, the veggies taste better and are more nutritious then what you can buy in the store.  The Old Farmers Almanac has a free online planner, and it has you put your zip code in and will tell you what you can plant and when.  It makes a big difference.  For example lots of people here are just now planting peas.  I live in N. California and I planted my peas last fall.  We have been eating peas for several weeks now, and they are almost done.  As soon as it gets hot they will be goners.  Have fun, it's work but should be fun too.  Permies is an assume site, it's loaded with intelligent, knowledgeable people happy to help, so feel free to jump in with any question, or share your knowledge any time. Good luck to you.