Permagardening in the Forest Garden

Farmers are introduced to the concept of permagardening at the beginning of their training with TREES because it is such an integral part of establishing a Forest Garden. Permagardens provide a substantial source of food and income for farmers and their families, especially in the first few years of establishment, when fruit trees are maturing. When developing a permagarden, farmers apply a variety of permaculture components, including composting, permanent raised or sunken beds, companion planting, water conservation management, and integrated pest management.

Some farmers grow primary season and off-season vegetable gardens in their permagarden, meaning that they will make use of the rainy and dry seasons. This allows farmers to have an income source from their permagarden throughout the year. They use seasonality calendars for their permagarden planning to target high prices and market opportunities.