Permaculture Principles and Practices

Syllabus

Course Syllabus:

Week 1: Introduction to Permaculture

• What is Permaculture?: Definition and history of permaculture; its origins and evolution as a design philosophy.
• Ethics of Permaculture: The three core ethics: Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share.
• Principles of Permaculture: Overview of the 12 key permaculture principles as outlined by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren.
• The Permaculture Design Process: How to approach designing a permaculture system, including observation, mapping, and planning.
• Case Studies: Examples of successful permaculture systems in diverse environments.

Week 2: Observing and Assessing the Land

• Site Analysis: How to assess land for permaculture design, including factors like climate, topography, soil, water, and existing ecosystems.
• Mapping the Site: Techniques for drawing site maps, including zones, sectors, and elements like wind, sun, and water flow.
• Microclimates: Understanding and identifying microclimates and how to design around them.
• Designing for Energy Flows: Working with natural systems to optimize energy use and reduce waste.
• Observation Exercises: Spend time observing a specific site (either in person or virtually) to assess its natural features.

Week 3: Permaculture Design Principles

• Principle 1: Observe and Interact: The importance of observation in design.
• Principle 2: Catch and Store Energy: Methods for capturing solar, wind, and water energy for long-term use.
• Principle 3: Obtain a Yield: Designing systems that provide for human needs while supporting ecological health.
• Principle 4: Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback: Creating systems that are self-sustaining and adaptable.
• Principle 5: Use and Value Renewable Resources: Building systems that rely on renewable and local resources.
• Principles 6-12: Detailed discussion of principles like integrating animals, using small and slow solutions, valuing diversity, etc.
• Design Exercise: Apply the principles to design a small garden or community space.

Week 4: Soil Health and Planting Systems

• Soil Health and Fertility: Understanding soil types, structure, and how to build healthy, living soils through composting, mulching, and organic matter.
• Building Soil: Techniques for improving soil health using permaculture practices, including composting, biochar, and vermiculture.
• Polyculture and Companion Planting: Designing plant communities that enhance biodiversity and support mutual growth (e.g., the “Three Sisters” in permaculture).
• Agroforestry and Food Forests: Integrating trees and shrubs with annual crops in a permaculture garden.
• Plant Selection: Choosing plants that are suited to local conditions and ecological needs.
• Practical Exercises: Designing a planting system using companion planting techniques.

Week 5: Water Management and Conservation

• Water in Permaculture: The role of water in sustainable agriculture and land design.
• Rainwater Harvesting: Techniques for capturing and storing rainwater for irrigation, drinking, and sanitation.
• Swales and Contour Plowing: Using land contours and natural water flows to reduce erosion and conserve water.
• Greywater Systems: Designing systems for reusing household water safely in the garden.
• Wetlands and Ponds: Building small ponds and wetland systems for water management and biodiversity.
• Practical Exercise: Design a simple rainwater harvesting or greywater system for a small home or garden.

Week 6: Animals in Permaculture

• Integrating Animals into Permaculture: How animals (chickens, goats, bees, etc.) can benefit a permaculture system through waste management, pest control, and food production.
• Designing for Animals: Creating integrated animal systems (chicken tractors, rotational grazing, etc.).
• Beekeeping: Introduction to the role of bees in permaculture and how to design a bee-friendly garden or farm.
• Chickens and Poultry Systems: Setting up chicken coops, managing poultry waste, and integrating them into crop rotation.
• Aquaculture and Fish Systems: Integrating fish ponds into permaculture designs for sustainable protein production.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of permaculture animal systems in action.

Week 7: Urban Permaculture and Community Design

• Permaculture in Cities: Adapting permaculture principles to urban environments, including container gardening, rooftop gardens, and community urban farms.
• Small-Space Solutions: How to maximize food production in limited spaces using vertical gardening, hydroponics, and aquaponics.
• Community-Based Permaculture: How permaculture principles can be applied to build resilient and sustainable communities.
• Permaculture Networks: Connecting with local permaculture groups and organizations for education, support, and resource sharing.
• Designing Community Projects: How to design permaculture systems that benefit local communities and address issues like food insecurity and sustainability.

Week 8: Moving Toward a Sustainable Future

• Regenerative Design: Understanding the difference between sustainable and regenerative practices, and how permaculture aims to restore ecosystems.
• The Role of Permaculture in Climate Change Mitigation: How permaculture can be used to address global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
• Future Trends in Permaculture: Innovations in technology, energy, and urban permaculture that are shaping the future of sustainable living.
• Final Design Project: Complete a permaculture design project for a home, farm, or community space, applying the principles learned throughout the course.
• Course Wrap-Up and Reflection: Reflecting on how permaculture can transform personal and global systems for sustainability.