Learn How to Tune Into The Rhythm of Your Ecosystem
Jan 05, 2025We often believe we need acres of land to grow our own food or have our own pocket-farm. And while that kind of space sounds nice, the truth is you don’t need acres to grow your own food, or have a micro-farm (or what I call a green business). You can grow right where you are.
Most traditional farms follow whats called monoculture farming. This is where you grow a lot of the same crop. In the US, that’s often corn, soy, and so on. To grow on a traditional .24 acre, or even in containers, what you do is called polyculture farming. Polyculture is where you interplant and mix plants that grow well together. Perennials with edibles, fresh cut flowers and ground covers beneath trees. You create a microclimate in your space by putting plants that support each other, and your ecosystem.
No, this isn’t ‘companion planting’. What I’m talking about is growing plants that work well both above the soil (pest deterrents, attractors, flavors), and works together beneath the soil, (nutrients, disease resistance, and water retention). Implementing this strategy helps you truly align your activities with the rhythm of nature.
Here’s how you start turning in to the rhythm of your ecosystem (in a nutshell):
Understand your ecosystem
Your ecosystem has a rhythm to it. A sort of heart beat that co-aligns with the changes of the seasons and the biodiversity natively grown. By learning about your ecosystem and how each layer functions, you begin to understand more how each moving piece impacts the next.
Start by identifying the birds that come to your space. What do they eat? Where do they nest? Explore the timing of their migration (if there is any).
Then explore the insects fluttering around each season. What is their primary source of food? Where do they like to burrow? What benefits do they bring?
TOPICS TO LOOK INTO: Native plants, birds, butterflies and moths, insects
In the world of pocket gardening, size is merely a number, and what matters most is the intention behind every seed. Its about recognizing the potential in every inch of soil, every angle of sunlight, capturing every drop of rain.
TOPICS TO LOOK INTO: Topography of your space, water drainage and systems, soil type, microclimates, solar mapping
Build planting strategies that work for your soil, ecosystem, and your goals
This is where you put a bit of science with a bit of ecosystem knowledge. Understand the different root systems of what you’re growing, identify soil pH needs, nutrients. Explore why certain plants are companions and exactly how they work.
TOPICS TO LOOK INTO: Plant combinations, plants for your green business, soil needs, ecosystem impact and opportunities.
When we align our actions with the natural cycles of our ecosystems, our gardens become more than just gardens. They become a restored space that’s both easier to maintain and filled with endless opportunity for growth.
Over the past 5 years, I’ve grown my micro-farm into a regenerative garden. Producing flowers and herbs to support local apothecaries, events, and herbalists. As living proof, polyculture works at scale. I’ve now designed and consulted on multiple micro-farms, suburban landscapes, worked with multiple HOAs, and helped many start growing their own food right where they are.
This blog is intended to help you learn methods and techniques to growing your own polyculture space. Be sure to join our newsletter - The Quill - so you don't miss any post updates!
As always, happy growing ✌️
- Elizabeth -
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