How to get started with a new garden

For all people who sit on a block of earth, no matter how small it may be, and who are thinking about starting to produce food and veggies, the actual start might be a bit daunting. Making the most out of your space with the right motivation is a big goal, but making a small start is easy. Here are my suggestions based on my own journey.

1. Permaculture is a system about designing your garden that works and meets your needs as well as the needs of this earth. On the Permaculture WA website you find very useful info sheets on how permaculture works. I suggest you start by reading this one http://permaculturewest.org.au/resources/pw-principles-of-permaculture.pdf which gives you a good overview of the design principles and how it all comes together; or watch the video http://permaculturewest.org.au/resources/what-is-permaculture. To get more detailed knowledge you might want to sign up to a relevant course about permaculture http://permaculturewest.org.au/resources/education and then get the right system in place that match your location and your personal needs.

2. Improving the soil is imperative if you are on a sandy patch like most locations in Perth. Our suggestions are available here http://permaculturewest.org.au/resources/pw-soil-building.pdf

3. For getting good seeds you might want to contact Environment House in Bayswater http://www.envirohouse.org.au/ , also check out businesses linked to Permaculture West http://permaculturewest.org.au/resources/businesses, try your local organic food store or check out the GreenLife Soil Company http://www.greenlifesoil.com.au/seeds.htm, a good address for your gardening needs. PermacultureWest has seedsaver groups which you might want to join. More info here: http://permaculturewest.org.au/community/seed-saving-wa

4. Learn from the experts. The Perth Gardening Show is coming up shortly. Attend it and have a look at the opportunities available, from 3-6 April, more info here: http://perthgardenfestival.com.au/

5. Finally talk to your gardening friends and invite them to come to your house for a chat and a site inspection. Rather focus on a few little projects now and get their help in putting them into reality. 

6. Get yourself a few good gardening books. My favourite ones are:

 - Lolo Houbein - One Magic Square

- Readers Digest - Grow your own Fruit and Vegetable the easy way for Australia and New Zealand

Or simply start with the gardening books you already have at your home.

If you are interested in joining a Permaculture West local group, just select the one that you feel closest to from the choice here: http://permaculturewest.org.au/community/local-groups.

Best of luck and let me know how you went.