EXPLORE A TOPIC
Production Systems
Guides in this topic
145 guidesStart a seed nursery: from sowing to a strong transplant
A small seed nursery helps you care for young plants before they move into a garden. Start with one tray or a few clean containers and a crop you will use.
19+ Important Dryland Strategies
From a permaculture perspective, there are several dryland strategies to increase water retention and availability on dry lands. These strategies aim to maximize water use efficiency, reduce evaporation, and encourage natural water infiltration and retention. Here are some dryland strategies commonly used in permaculture: It’s essential to adapt these dryland strategies to the specific climate, […]
Intensive Sheep Production
Here’s a detailed explanation of intensive sheep production, focusing on lambing cycles, lambing percentage, and sheep management in an intensive production system: Intensive Sheep Production: Intensive sheep production refers to a system where sheep are raised in a controlled environment, optimizing their growth, reproduction, and overall productivity. This approach is particularly beneficial in areas with […]
Freshwater Shrimp & Prawns
Farming freshwater shrimp and prawns in the desert involves creating artificial environments that mimic their natural habitat while ensuring optimal conditions for growth and reproduction. Here’s an overview of how it typically works: 1. Site Selection: Choose a suitable location in the desert with access to freshwater sources, such as underground wells, aquifers, or desalinated […]
Watering Fruit trees
Watering fruit trees in the desert or semi-arid regions requires careful planning and efficient water management to ensure their survival and productivity while saving water. Here are some best methods and water-saving techniques for watering fruit trees in desert environments: Watering Methods: Watering Schedule: Watering Times: Water fruit trees early in the morning or late […]
Regenerative chicken farming
Regenerative Chicken Farming Regenerative Chicken Farming with Rotational Grazing in Chicken Tractors or Eggmobiles for Arid Southern Africa Rotational grazing of chickens in chicken tractors or eggmobiles is a key component of regenerative chicken farming in arid Southern Africa. This practice involves moving the mobile chicken coops, known as chicken tractors or eggmobiles, to different […]
EM (effective micro-organisms)
EM is special Imagine having a secret army of tiny superheroes that help your garden grow better and healthier. Well, that’s what Effective Microorganisms, or EM, are in organic gardening! EM is a special mixture of beneficial microorganisms, like bacteria and yeast, that work together to improve the soil and plants in your garden. Here’s […]
Microdams/ Half-moons
Micro dams or microdams …also called Demi lunes, Halfmoon basins, crescent dams, semilunar bunds, semi-circular bunds, crescent catchments, Zai pits, Tassa, planting pits, eyebrow swales, micro-catchment water harvesting structures, earth crescent structures, Vallerani system….and African Smiles 🙂…and Net & Pan. Permaculture is a design philosophy that emphasizes sustainable and regenerative practices to create harmonious ecosystems. […]
Hugelkultur
Hugelkultur is a permaculture gardening technique that involves creating raised beds filled with organic materials, such as logs, branches, leaves, and compostable materials. The term “hugelkultur” is of German origin, with “hugel” meaning mound or hill and “kultur” meaning culture or cultivation. How Hugelkultur Works: How Hugelkultur Benefits a Permaculture Homestead in Arid Southern Africa: […]
Saving seeds
Saving Seeds Storing seeds using traditional methods and in a permaculture homestead involves a mix of age-old techniques and modern understanding. Let’s explore some of these methods in detail: Traditional Seed Saving Methods: **1. Ash Method: Ash is used to keep insects away from stored seeds. Here’s how it works: **2. Cool, Dry Storage: This […]
Growing trees in the desert
Growing trees in desert environments can be a challenge due to the scarcity of water and harsh conditions. Here’s a list of various methods, including ancient traditions, permaculture techniques, and modern approaches, to help trees thrive in desert regions: Ancient Traditions Permaculture Methods Modern Techniques Remember, successful tree growth in the desert requires a combination […]
Swales
Introduction to Swales and Their Construction Ever thought about conserving water in your garden without compromising on its vibrancy? Allow me to introduce you to the concept of swales – a rather remarkable solution for efficient water management in gardening. Despite their seemingly technical name, swales are actually straightforward to understand and implement. Let’s delve […]