Herb Spirals and Mushroom Farms, Elia Charalambides

Herb Spiral and Mushroom Farm→

Herb Spiral

Efficiency in design is one of the pillars of permaculture. By thoughtfully observing nature and its many patterns such as sun movement, wind direction, rainfall and temperature ranges we can maximize the use of even the smallest spaces and greatly reduce our labor. The herb spiral is a classic permaculture design. Its efficiency lies in its focus on providing the most growing space for its size, adequate micro-climates for a variety of herbs, and ease of harvest and management because of its raised nature.  The subtle ramp allows the rainfall to drain from the highest point, where the most dry tolerant herb is placed, to the lowest point, where the most water needing herb is place. Also because it takes up so little space it can be placed near the kitchen door for ease of access.

Home cultivated mushrooms

Exploring the depths of a forest for mushrooms is an exciting hunt for all ages. While most mushrooms are edible, the consequences for picking and eating some of the more poisonous varieties can be disastrous. Until I am an expert I look forward to my own simple mushroom farm. To make your own simply buy wooden plugs inoculated with the mushroom mycelium type you want to grow, drill holes into freshly cut logs, push the plugs in and cover the holes with wax. Then find a shady moist spot and place the bottom of the log in the soil a few inches.  After 6 months or so you will start seeing mushrooms popping from the log. Amazingly the same log will produce mushrooms for 4-5 years. The thicker the wood, the longer it will produce mushrooms.