Permaculture Design

Top 10 Must-have Permaculture Plants

Permaculture plants play a significant role in shaping a sustainable, self-reliant ecosystem. Chosen for their multi-functional characteristics, these plants contribute to the health and longevity of the garden environment. We are going to dive into a selection of such permaculture plants, each bringing unique value to the system.

Here is a condensed version of some essential permaculture plants:

  • Tree Lucerne: Notable Nitrogen Fixer
  • This plant is excellent in fixing nitrogen in the soil that helps improve soil fertility.

  • Comfrey Plant: Deep-rooted Nutrient Miner
  • A versatile plant known for pulling up nutrients from deep within the soil.

  • Yarrow: Useful Insect Attractor
  • Yarrow is perfect for inviting beneficial insects into your garden.

  • White Clover: Multi-purpose Ground Cover
  • Clovers are prolific ground cover plants that suppress weeds while enriching the soil.

  • Echinacea: Medicinal Powerhouse
  • Echinacea has been recognized for its immune-boosting and medicinal properties.

The inclusion of these permaculture plants not only promotes an essential biodiversity but also contributes towards the creation of a healthy, harmonious ecosystem.

An Overview on Permaculture Plants

Incorporating these permaculture plants in one’s garden can dramatically improve the health and productivity of the garden ecosystem.

Beyond biodiversity, these plants offer practical applications from soil enrichment to pest control and beyond.

With careful planning, you can cultivate a thriving garden that requires less external input and maintains its sustainability over time.

Every plant serves a purpose, and understanding this can truly enhance the success of your permaculture garden.

Understanding the Concept of Permaculture

Understanding Concept Permaculture

At its heart, Permaculture is a harmony of landscape and people. It is an integrated system drawing from natural ecosystems to create sustainable habitats.

This philosophy, coined by Bill Mollison, is not just about fostering productive agriculture but also promoting a permanent culture – a balance between mankind and nature.

  1. Mimicking natural systems: Permaculture leverages the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems to maintain agriculturally productive environments.
  2. Sustainable integration: The process seamlessly combines shelter, food, energy provision with other essential needs in a nature-friendly manner.
  3. Working with nature: Instead of exploiting or damaging the nature, this approach advocates for protracted and thoughtful observation and action.

The core basis of Permaculture is the ethical design element. Not only can it be used to augment various other skills and training methods but also has potential to influence all human endeavors.

Focusing on settled areas and agricultural lands that require rehabilitation and rethinking,

this methodology proposes a radical shift in our approach towards these lands.

In the Permaculture landscape, most species are intentionally included for human or livestock use. This makes it distinct from natural ecosystems where humans merely form a part of the total species assembly with limited yield.

In essence, Permaculture places humans at the center—making us responsible for critical functions like recycling of nutrients and energy or soil creation.

Permaculture’s ethics towards natural systems include vigorous opposition to further disturbances of remaining natural forests and advocating rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems.

It promotes the establishment of plant and animal refuges for threatened species and minimizes land usage for human requirements.

Permaculture design centers around the third ethic primarily, though people who act responsibly align with all the three. The aim is to use as many species in settlement designs without causing local invasions.

1. Importance of Tree Lucerne

Importance Tree Lucerne

Tree Lucerne is a remarkable plant that plays a crucial role in safeguarding our environment.

Its ability to enhance soil fertility makes it an essential player in soil erosion control.

This unique attribute can largely be attributed to the nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria found within its roots.

  • Mitigating Soil Erosion: Tree Lucerne boosts soil fertility with nitrogen fixation, combating erosion effectively.
  • Pulp and Paper Source: Holocellulose, lignin, xylan, and acetyl groups from this plant are relevant for paper production.
  • Animal Fodder: As fodder, it provides quality feed during summer and early fall, due to its slow growth rate.
  • Nature’s Architect: Between serving as a windbreak and providing shade in farmyards, it embellishes agricultural landscapes.

The ecological significance of Tree Lucerne extends beyond its soil-building capabilities.

It also contributes to carbon sequestration, essential for maintaining the balance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Beyond ecological benefits, Tree Lucerne also exhibits commercial appeal.

Taken as a raw material for pulp and paper production, it adds economic value through sustainable land use management practices.

This plant also supplement farmers’ income by providing cost-effective and environment-friendly fodder options.

Last but not least, Tree Lucerne supports societal development through sustainable practices.

This further amplifies its importance in the context of sustainable development and environmental management.

2. Benefits of Comfrey Plant

Benefits Comfrey Plant

The Comfrey Plant, or Symphytum officinale, is renowned for its appealing features and practical uses in permaculture.

It is a popular choice among gardeners due to its pollinator-friendly nature, attracting beneficial insects like bees.

Celebrated for its vibrant flowers, the comfrey plant adds a visual appeal to your garden space.

Known as a terrific source of valuable nutrients, comfrey leaves can be added to compost piles to enrich the soil.

Soaking comfrey leaves in water creates a potent liquid fertilizer, especially effective for potassium-loving plants like tomatoes.

Comfrey’s prunings make a great addition to any compost pile and provide a slow release of essential nutrients.

Pest and disease prevention are another benefit with comfrey solutions aiding against powdery mildew.

Favoring pest predators such as spiders, lacewings, and parasitoid wasps, the plant’s presence can naturally control pests.

This perennial herb requires minimal maintenance, is rarely bothered by pests or diseases and keeps the deer at bay too!

Comfrey also serves as a renewable source of mulch; it can be cut back several times during the growing season.

In terms of carbon capture, comfrey has been used in related experiments due to its fast growth and dense leaf production.

It even offers habitat support for beneficial organisms like lacewings and spiders amongst others.

Certain species can spread into a thick groundcover, providing excellent soil coverage and preventing weed growth

The plant’s leaves can be used externally to aid in the healing of rashes, swellings, and bruises.

Finally, comfrey as a fertilizer promotes vigorous, green leafy growth and boosts disease and pest resistance.

In essence, the comfrey plant, with its multitude of benefits, proves to be an invaluable asset in any permaculture garden.

3. Reason to Include Yarrow

Reason Include Yarrow

Yarrow is not just for treating minor wounds, it’s also a powerful plant for fighting colds and flus.

With its anti-inflammatory properties, it can swiftly combat bacterial infections.

This plant is rich in tannins and salicyclic acid which contributes to its strong astringency, effective for halting both external and internal bleeding.

A cup of warm yarrow tea or a dab of this plant wrapped in cheesecloth can work wonders for blurred vision caused by inflamed tissue. However, avoid direct contact with eyes to prevent irritation.

Being an incredibly versatile plant, yarrow can relieve toothaches or ease headaches simply by chewing the leaves or rubbing them on your temples.

Insect bites and nettle burns can also find relief under the charm of yarrow.

Its historical use in treating bruises and inflammation gains it noteworthy names like “soldier’s woundwort”, “bloodwort”, and “nosebleed plant”.

Whether you’re dealing with hemorrhoids or varicose veins, quick relief may be found in this plant’s strengthening effect on blood vessels.

An excellent first-aid option, yarrow helps deep cuts heal with minimal scarring. It can even be added to a mouth rinse post-tooth extraction to prevent dry socket.

In addition to its physical healing capabilities, Yarrow flower essence also proves beneficial in helping people release emotional energies they’ve absorbed from their environment.

This makes it a practical tool after attending large gatherings like parties or conventions where emotional energies are high.

To learn more about the abundant uses of Yarrow, visit thepracticalherbalist.com.

4. The Versatility of White Clover

Versatility White Clover

A beautiful lawn can elevate your garden’s aesthetics and provide a playing area for kids and pets. It also offers a cooling effect and acts as a great noise absorber.

An interesting concept is adding white clover to your lawn. Clover was a common sight in our lawns before the 1950s when herbicides became popular.

  1. Animals love it: Rabbits, for instance, prefer clover over other plants like lilies. Woodchucks are also fans of clover.
  2. Bee magnet: Clover is often found in “bee lawns,” attracting pollinators giving nectar and pollen.
  3. Nitrogen fixer: Clovers have nodules on their roots pulling nitrogen from the air, releasing it back into the soil benefiting grass roots.

Clover doesn’t need as much mowing as grass. A more diverse turf seems healthier, with greater resistance against insect damage. Your lawn will thrive as long as you refrain from using non-organic or unnatural products that can be detrimental to soil health.

If you allow dandelions to coexist with your green space, just make sure to mow the flowers before they seed. Dandelions have deep taproots, breaking compact soil and drawing nutrients from underground.

They even feed the grass while loosening the soil, making way for rainwater to filter down rather than running off into lakes and streams. Source

5. The Medicinal Echinacea

Medicinal Echinacea

The Echinacea, also known as the Purple Coneflower, has a long history of use for medicinal purposes.

Native Americans revered this plant for its healing properties long before colonists arrived.

Echinacea’s Therapeutic Uses

They used Echinacea to treat everything from snakebites to toothaches.

This versatile plant was even employed in the treatment of respiratory illnesses.

Cultivating Echinacea at Home

Fortunately, incorporating Echinacea into your permaculture garden is relatively easy.

Its hardy nature, coupled with its extensive medicinal utility, makes it an ideal choice for homegrown remedies.

Echinacea and Phytochemicals

Echinacea’s healing potential is rooted in its rich phytochemical profile.

A recent study shed light on these unique compounds that are present in both the seed and forage of the plant.

Growing your own Echinacea provides access to these beneficial chemicals right at home.

You can create homemade remedies, enhancing not just your garden’s biodiversity but also your family’s health.

Echinacea is a testament to the synergy found within permaculture – where each element serves multiple purposes and enhances the overall system’s productivity.

6. Utility of Russian Comfrey

Utility Russian Comfrey

Russian Comfrey, or Symphytum x uplandicum ‘Bocking 14’, is a sterile variety that sidesteps the invasiveness of common comfrey, Symphytum officinale.

Rich in potassium and vital for fruit production, it also boasts significant amounts of potash and nitrogen.

Unique among plants, Russian comfrey also contains vitamin B12, making it an invaluable nutrient source.

  • Making compost: Start by filling a bucket with tightly packed comfrey leaves.
  • Nutrient-rich feed: Dilution in a 1:20 ratio with water will give you a liquid feed akin to weak tea.
  • Alternatives: Combine with nettles for balanced feed; Nettles are rich in nitrogen but low in potash.
  • Safety measures: Always wear gloves when harvesting due to the plant’s irritating hairs.

Comfrey thrives under shady conditions and can be harvested up to four times a year, from spring through autumn.

I personally place mine near the compost heap, allowing it to absorb nutrients while hiding unsightly bins.

You can apply comfrey solution once a week to tomatoes after setting flowers, or any plant needing a boost.

Therefore, the use of Russian Comfrey provides a natural path towards sustainable plant care and growth acceleration.

7. Explanation on Planting Potatoes

Explanation Planting Potatoes

If you’re keen on growing your own potatoes, it’s easier than you may think.

Firstly, selecting the right seed potatoes is crucial.

Choosing Seed Potatoes

Organic, certified disease-free ones from a catalog or farm store work best.

Avoid those from grocery stores as they are treated with sprout-restraint and are unsuitable for planting.

Growing Conditions for Potatoes

Potatoes thrive in full sun with loose, fertile soil underneath. They require about an inch of water per week.

Consider using a raised bed for more productivity, as it allows for better drainage and ample space for growth.

Cultivating in Containers

Potatoes can also grow in containers, pots, or even special ‘grow bags’. It’s a good option if you’re short on space.

But remember to provide constant attention to watering and accept that yields might be smaller than growing in a raised bed.

Making the Most of Your Harvest

The joy of harvesting your own home-grown potatoes is incredibly satisfying and makes all the effort worthwhile.

Not only do you manage what goes into your soil but also ensure healthier produce free from harmful pesticides.

8. Powerhouse of Nutrition: Kale

Powerhouse Nutrition Kale

Kale is an essential staple in any permaculture garden, not just for its nutritional benefits but for its hardiness too.

I want to discuss two notable varieties that you might consider for your garden: the Curly Kale and Lacinato Kale.

TypeDescriptionHealth Benefits
Curly KaleAn easy-to-grow, blue-green hybrid that flourishes in cool climates. Leaves turn sweeter after light frost.Packed with vitamins and minerals essential for good health.
Lacinato KaleAn heirloom variety from 18th-century Italy with dark, crinkled leaves. Cold-hardy and sweetens after frost.Known for lowering cholesterol, fighting cancer, and reducing inflammation.
Sourced from: Bonnie Plants

The durability of these kale varieties makes them a valuable addition to any garden, providing fresh produce well into the colder months.

Both Curly and Lacinato Kale are vibrant producers. Cut the outer leaves, allowing the center to continue growing, ensuring a steady supply of fresh greens long after other plants have succumbed to the cold.

Beyond their hardiness, these kale varieties have remarkable health benefits. They’re renowned superfoods, packed with vitamins and minerals that the body needs to stay healthy.

Furthermore, Lacinato Kale has a rich history, tracing back to 18th-century Italy. Interestingly, it was also grown in Thomas Jefferson’s garden at Monticello.

This illustrious past hints at its exceptional qualities. Notably, its leaves have been linked to lowering cholesterol, combating cancer, and reducing inflammation.

Lastly, let’s not forget about taste. Enjoy these kales steamed, sautéed, or roasted. They pair well with garlic, peppers, chickpeas, sausage, squash, and apples.

9. The Prolific Tomato Plant

Prolific Tomato Plant

What makes the Tomato plant a top choice for permaculture gardening?

The aroma of tomato plants, especially those grown in sunny spots and greenhouses, is a sensory delight.

The fragrance that the stems and leaves emit after pinching is as delightful as the fruit’s taste.

What are some varieties of tomatoes suitable for permaculture?

Sarah Raven, a noted gardener, lists several indeterminate or cordon tomatoes ideal for summer crops in her book, “A Year Full of Veg”.

Some popular varieties include Sungold, Costoluto Fiorentino, Country Taste, and Gardener’s Delight.

Are there any unique characteristics of these tomato varieties?

Sungold is a handsome variety that resembles a cartoon-like Mediterranean market tomato.

However, it may lose its leader as it grows and require training to establish a new leader.

Country Taste is renowned for its intense flavor and high yield.

This beefsteak tomato is excellent for salads with succulent and flavorful fruit.

What about smaller tomato varieties?

Gardener’s Delight is somewhere between a cherry and medium-sized tomato and grows happily outdoors.

This sweet and delicious variety is reliable and prolific.

Which tomato variant provides both visual appeal and health benefits?

A noteworthy mention in Sarah’s list is Indigo Rose. This blue-black tomato not only looks appealing but also carries high levels of antioxidants such as lycopene and anthocyanin.

Besides its visual appeal, this variant ripens late, extending the harvesting season.

Which tomato variety is best for flavor and reliability?

Noire de Crimée, hailing from Russia, is a beefsteak-sized variant known for its exceptional flavor, texture, and reliability.

This variant suits the Northern hemisphere’s light levels and temperatures and boasts firm flesh with a delicious taste.

Which type of tomatoes would best extend the harvest period?

The Orange Banana is an ideal choice for gardeners wishing to extend their harvest period.

This strange-looking variety has few leaves compared to stems but is a massive producer even in low light levels, ripening late in the season.

The fruit from this variant has excellent flavor and texture, making it a worthy addition to any permaculture garden.

10. Bee-friendly Lavender Plant

Beefriendly Lavender Plant

Transforming your garden into a sanctuary for bees can be as simple as growing the bee-friendly lavender plant.

Beautiful and purposeful, these plants are perfect for permaculture.

Not only do they add color to your garden, but they also help sustain our essential pollinators.

The gorgeous flowers attract bees while helping maintain their population.

Plant Characteristics
Purpose: Bee-friendly, Aesthetically pleasing
Main Attraction: Bees
Type: Perennial
Color: Various shades of purple
A must-have addition to any permaculture garden!

The lavender plant is a versatile perennial that adds value to any garden.

The aesthetics of these plants are undeniably appealing.

However, their real value lies in their ability to attract and sustain bees.

This makes them an essential part of creating a balanced ecosystem in your garden.

Bee-friendly plants like lavender ensure a thriving and sustainable environment.

Planting Permaculture Success

Choosing the right plants is crucial for any successful permaculture garden. The top 10 must-have permaculture plants are those that offer multiple benefits like nutritional value, soil fertility, pest control, and beauty. They include comfrey, dandelion, yarrow, nitrogen fixers like peas and beans, nutrient accumulators like borage and chicory, dynamic accumulators like nettles, and beneficial insect attractors like marigold and sunflower.