Hi from Southern California

Hi Im Josh!

First post, Im a student of medicine and regenerative agriculture in Southern California. Anyone else on here from Southern California?

There are a few of us.  Welcome to the forum.  

We live in such an ideal climate to do permaculture because we can grow things 12 months out of the year and always have something fresh on the table picked directly from the garden or orchard.  The last of my peaches were picked this week, but figs are ripe, and persimmons will soon be ready.  And melons.  Too many melons of all varieties.  The chickens LOVE any kind of melon.  I'll toss one into the chicken tractor in the morning and that keeps them happy and busy for an hour or two.

Do you have a chunk of soil to call your own?  There is so much unused land all over greater Los Angeles, but you've got to be bold about finding it.  Water is our biggest challenge.  In the worst months, my water bill can push upwards of $250.  Even collecting every drop that I can, it's not possible to have a thriving orchard and garden without turning on the hose.

Anyhow, welcome.

Hi Marco!

Thanks for the reply, you sound seasoned in permaculture and reading your post was a great way to start my morning!

I live on half an acre with my parents. My dad has always raised livestock, kept horses, and dabbled in gardening, but lately Ive been reading more, sowing more, and just been more involved with not just growing crops, but the regeneration of the soil.

I live in the Inland Empire and I can see a lot of available land, but what kind of land were you referring too in Los Angeles? And how would one be bold in acquiring it?

Great to meet you!

My land is a regular suburban yard about 15 minutes north of Disneyland.  I've planted about 60 fruit and nut trees, and grow about 75% of the veggies that we eat.  We keep 8 chickens, which is more eggs than our household can eat, so my wife sells a dozen or so every week to co-workers that are excited at the chance to but them for $6 a dozen.  We keep bees, capture our rainwater, and keep hundreds of yards of wood chips from going to a dump by putting them down throughout the orchard.  What started as a small garden has evolved into a significant shift in our lifestyle.

There is land all over.  My next door neighbor has given me access to grow anything I want over in her yard.  I don't have time to maintain more than my yard, but her space is even larger than mine.  All it takes is a bit of initiative and a willingness to ask people, "Would you allow me to grow stuff on your unused space?" You've got to be willing to go against the suburban norm, but if you're willing to do so, rather than wasting water on grass, we can grow a lot of food, sequester a lot of carbon, and significantly increase the tree canopy.  

Hi Josh,

I’m new to this forum and looking for permies in my area. I live in the inland empire/Riverside area. I have a couple of acres with orchard and gardens that I would like to make more sustainable, especially more water efficient. I’d love to talk with anyone familiar with this location to get ideas on creating earth works where some trees are already established.

Renee

Hi Everybody.
I know this is an old thread but thought I would try to revive it. I am also in the Riverside area. I don't have acreage. But I do my best with my suburban lawn. I just started planting and want to grow a nice food hedge on the property line. I have 11 fruit trees so far. I am getting better at growing clippings but not very! Haven't figured out what I am doing wrong yet lol.
I would love to know more "permies" in this area.
Kristina

Hi, I am looking for a place in California to work on this idea Livingflorabuildings.blogspot.com & livingflorabuildings.wordpress.com
anthonydcrain@outlook.com