𑁍
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Permaculture Food Forestry?
Permaculture is a highly evolved method of farming that mimics the natural ecosystem in a food forest setting. In all landscapes, you will notice a pattern. There are numerous layers and dimensions to the forests and jungles. Overstory trees stand tall among understory trees. Climbing vines make their way to the sunlight via the overstory tree's stature. Small bushes and herbaceous plants enjoy life closer to the ground, and fungi dwell even closer. Each layer lives in symbiosis together, each with a special gift to share.
Why do you focus mostly on perennial food sources?
An integral aspect to permaculture farming is the planting of perennials. Perennial plants contrast annuals in their longer life span and other beneficial qualities. Perennial plants are hardier, more productive, and less labor-intensive than annuals. Perennials dig their roots deep to collect and transform a buffet of nutrients into something edible for the animals and people of Earth.
What is the difference between a “monoculture” and a "polyculture?”
A ‘monoculture’ is a single crop planted over a wide area. A ‘polyculture’ is a variety of different crops grown on a given expanse of land, either through crop rotation, planting rows of different crops side-by-side, or adding layers to the system, such as a forest would.
What are the benefits of planting “polycultures?”
The more diversity in a system, the more resilient the system will become. It is time to do away with the method of growing endless acres of the same type of plant for the simple convenience of harvesting large batches, or keeping up with tradition. You can still harvest large batches of higher-quality, nutritionally valuable foods through a permaculture system, and the entire ecosystem will benefit much more from it.
Think about the difference of monoculture and polyculture in terms of chaotic weather patterns or disease. If you insist on growing the same plant for miles and miles, in soil which is not mulched, and with synthetic fertilizers and chemicals, you will notice a large decline in the health of the entire ecosystem. There will be extreme suspectability to disease and distress on these annual plants, which are already more sensitive by nature to changes in environment due to a shorter life-span.
In a diverse polyculture system, you will integrate companion plants, which bolster the immune system of each plant, deter less-than-desirable insects, and increase the beauty and value of the property you are tending to. You will integrate chop and drop and nitrogen fixing plants, which will feed the soil and thus other crops. The yield of a diverse amount of food and medicine will increase exponentially. A diverse, polyculture system, is key to developing a closed-loop system, where all the needs of the environment and its inhabitants are met.
What kinds of plants will you choose for my food forest?
Appropriate plant selection begins with knowledge of what naturally thrives in your area. I offer a suggested list based on the plants that will thrive in your area so we can begin to create a resilient, healthy, and abundant ecosystem. This will vary depending on many factors: elevation, climate patterns, dietary restrictions, etc. Seed of the Soul designs are uniquely tailored to you and your soil-mate (site).
My soil is very depleted of nutrients. How do I remedy this?
You can boost the health and vitality of your soil through various methods seen in the natural world! Nitrogen-fixing plants such as ice cream bean, moringa, tamarind, pigeon pea, and comfrey make wonderful companion plants for longer lived perennials, supplying nitrogen and other nutrients through the chopping and dropping of their leaves.
Dynamic accumulators such as marigolds, amaranth, and yarrow improve soil fertility by uptaking large amounts of minerals efficiently through their deep root systems.
Compost such as fruit and veggie scraps from home or organic restaurants are extremely valuable in adding fertility to the soil. Earthworms provide biological tillage, aerate the soil, and provide extremely beneficial "castings." Earthworms tend to show up wherever soil is fertile and wherever there is compost which needs to be broken down. When you start feeding the soil, these little helpers will come in droves.
Green manure cover crops such as cowpea and sweet potato add biomass and nitrogen. They increase soil coverage and suppress weeds.
Inoculate soil with mycorrhizal fungi and beneficial bacteria. Fungal and microbial inoculants increase the mycelial activity, enhance nutrient absorption, and help strengthen the plants’ immune systems.
What are some plants for attracting beneficial insects?
Plants and trees for attracting beneficial insects:
The Carrot family (Umbelliferae or Apiaceae): Carrot, Parsley, Cilantro, Dill, Fennel
The Mint family (Lamiaceae): Basil (all types), Mint (all types), Catnip, Lavender, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Marjoram, Cuban Oregano, Oregano
The Daisy Family (Asteraceae, Compositae, or Sunflower family): Cosmos, Zinnia, Marigold, Calendula, Sunflower, Gaillardia, Dandelion, Chrysanthemum, and Okinawan spinach
Native Hawaiian Plants: A’ali’i, Māmaki, Akia, Ilima papa, Uhaloa, Ti, ‘Uki uki
Cover Crops: Buckwheat, Sunn hemp, and Crimson clover.
Fruit trees: Papaya, Citrus, Lychee, Avocado, and Mango all help attract beneficial predators.
Plants for attracting butterflies:
Crownflower, Milkweed, Māmaki, Kalanchoe, Lantana, Pentas, Salvia
How do I get rid of mosquitoes?
Ahhh, to live in the tropics where mosquitoes are simply a part of life! I recommend making the environment inhospitable to mosquitoes. Get rid of anything that might be potentially be a welcoming breeding ground. "Mosquito Hotels” can be created from tiny bodies of water that pool in upturned coconut husks, muddy puddles, buckets, wheelbarrows, etc. Anything that may collect stagnant water.
Plant some strongly scented, herbaceous plants (such as citronella and lemongrass) in areas where you want less mosquito traffic. Make sure air is circulating on the property and prune trees for more air flow.
Create habitat for the predators of mosquitoes. Chickens, dragonflies, damselflies, and frogs love to snack on mosquitoes.