The basics of permaculture: living soil, biodiversity, autonomy

Permaculture, much more than a gardening method

Permaculture is often presented as an alternative to conventional gardening. But in reality, it is a system of thought, a way of considering our interactions with living things. Born in the 1970s in Australia, it is based on a simple idea: observe nature and be inspired by it to design productive, sustainable, resilient systems.

In a garden, permaculture translates into concrete choices: preserving soil life, promoting biodiversity, limiting inputs, recycling waste, creating ecosystems. But behind these actions lie three essential foundations.

1. Living soil: foundation of every ecosystem

In living soil, there are billions of microorganisms, worms, bacteria, fungi, insects. This underground life transforms organic matter, aerates the soil, structures it, and makes it fertile.

In permaculture, we do not work against the soil, we work with it. This means:

• Not digging or turning the earth (to avoid breaking the microbial structure).
• Regularly adding compost and organic matter.
• Protecting the soil with a permanent mulch (straw, leaves, wood chips...).

Result: richer, more aerated, more hydrated soil that nourishes plants better without chemical fertilizers.

2. Biodiversity as a driver of balance

A permaculture garden is not a row of tightly packed carrots. It is a deliberately disorderly mix, where vegetables, flowers, aromatic herbs, insects, microfauna coexist…

Promoting biodiversity means:

• Associating plants to create natural synergies.
• Attracting pollinators with nectar-rich flowers.
• Leaving wild areas to host beneficial insects and small animals.
• Introducing companion plants to naturally repel pests.

This diversity makes the garden more resilient to diseases, climate hazards, insect invasions. And it also makes it more beautiful, more alive.

3. Autonomy as a horizon

Finally, permaculture aims to create autonomous and regenerative systems. It is not about producing everything yourself from the first month, but gradually moving towards:

• Seed reproduction, from reproducible seeds.
• Water recovery (tanks, ollas, gutters).
• Making homemade compost from garden and kitchen waste.
• Crop rotation to preserve soils without relying on external amendments.

Autonomy is not isolation: it is chosen independence, nourished by observation, exchange, adaptation. It is also one of the great pleasures of natural gardening.

And concretely, where to start?

Starting permaculture is above all changing your perspective on your garden. It means accepting to take your time, to make mistakes, to learn through the seasons. To go further:

• Read our guide: making a permaculture vegetable garden
• Choose organic and reproducible seeds
• Explore our kits to get started well

Conclusion: a philosophy of living

Permaculture is not a trend. It is a philosophy of sobriety, care, and ecological intelligence. By understanding its bases — living soil, biodiversity, autonomy — you open the way to another way of gardening… and perhaps, a little, to another way of living.

🌱 Discover our heirloom seeds and green manures to start on the right foot.