Hello everyone, we did our New Season Collaboration seminar last week and the recordings are available. Here's a quick summary & takeaways from the 3 speakers.... āIntroduction to Urban Permaculture Gardeningā šĀ Key Points 1. Start small and design gardens around available time, energy, and resources. 2. Core permaculture ethics: earth care, people care, and fair share. 3. Promote closed-loop systems where outputs (e.g., chicken manure) become new inputs. 4. Observe and plan before planting: assess microclimates, sun exposure, and water movement. 5. Celebrate small wins; gardening is a mindful, joyful process, not just food production. āDesigning Your Homestead Food System (PERMAāGarden Concept)ā šĀ Key Points 1. āPerma-Gardenā = Permanent garden blocks integrating perennials, annuals, and permaculture design for efficiency. 2. Use digital tools likeĀ SmartDraw, suncalc.org andĀ Google EarthĀ for planning layout and sun patterns. 3. Organize material storage using āHome Depot-styleā depots with labeled aisles and racks. 4. Implement long-termĀ phased master planningĀ (3ā5 years) instead of doing everything at once. 5. Integrate income strategies like open farm days, market gardens, and educational spaces. āComposting Systems and Living Soilā šĀ Key Points 1. Composting is aĀ guided biological processĀ of decay that feeds soil organisms, not plants directly. 2. Three compost types: static, thermophilic, and vermicomposting; thermophilic requires active heat and turning. 3. Maintain aĀ C:N ratio around 30:1Ā and pile temperature between 131ā150°F (55ā65°C) for pathogen control. 4. Compost needs oxygen, moisture, and structureāavoid anaerobic (sour) piles. 5. Vermicompost and partially decomposed compost are valuable as top-dress āliving sponges.ā