As a follow on from Niall’s post, here is a simple guide to building your own permaculture vegetable garden. It is supereasy and rewarding – here is an update on the food garden 2.0 just 11 days after Niall’s pic:
Food Garden 2.0
Anyhoo, now to the steps…
STEP 1: Brick Layout
Lay out an area for your bed using some bricks.
Brick Layout
STEP 2: Paper Layer
Put down a layer of old cardboard and/or paper and moisten it.
Paper Layer
STEP 3: Dead Matter Layer
Create a layer of dead matter. We used leaves collected from the garden.
Dead Matter Layer
STEP 4: Green Matter Layer
Put down a layer of green matter. We used leaves from unwanted trees in the garden.
Green Matter Layer
STEP 5: Activator
Create a layer using an activator. We used kraal manure. Wet this layer.
Activator / Kraal Manure
STEP 6: Top Soil
Put down a layer of top soil and plant some seeds / seedlings.
Top Soil
Seeds and seedlings
is that monkey wearing a cap near the monkey pile?
children should not be allowed to comment on the blog.
good work mol-d! this shows just how easy it is to build a permaculture bed
we left out all the underthings! going to dig up the bed at once. bring cardboard, wife!
@ gareth, try it out for the next one do a comparison.. could be interesting..
What abou the grass from underneath growing though to the seedlings?
hi colleen, do you mean from the lawn? the layer of cardboard generally stops anything from growing up from underneath…
hi colleen – yes, the cardboard keeps the weeds and grass from growing through as well as keeping moisture in.
We are starting a vege garden and have many moles – do you know if they are likely to burrow up through the layers??
hi marilyn,
i’m not 100% sure but i would say the bottom cardboard layer would be enough of a deterrent for moles to cause them to reroute.. let us know!
I wrote a report some years ago on the use of household greywater for yard agriculture purposes. If you like an email copy suggest you contact me.
Hi Dr. Alcock,
Perhaps you would like to share a copy on the website? If so, please email it as an attachment to post@sprig.co.za and we will make it available to anyone who would like it…