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I am trying to figure out how important an initial tilling is for a lawn to garden conversion in relatively heavy clay soil.

Western NY, the soil has decent organic material already but it is relatively dense – I can’t easily put my finger into it. But grass is growing just fine.

Should I till the garden rows now, or will it decompact over time if I fill the rows with a few inches of compost and cover with wood chips for a couple years?

And I guess related, are there any ideal hand tools for tilling or do I need to rent a machine?

Thanks in advance.

Hi everyone, I’m a permaculture designer from India working on food forests, edible landscapes, and water management systems. I noticed many posts here asking for help with site design, planning, plant selection, and implementation. I’d love to help where I can — even just to brainstorm or offer advice.

If anyone wants deeper consultation or a full design, I do offer that as well — usually charged per acre or per project. Rates vary depending on your needs and depth of work, and I’m happy to work flexibly.

If you’re stuck with a design challenge or just want to chat, feel free to reply or DM me.

Let’s make the world greener! Wishing everyone love and happiness 💚🏵️♻️

Nikhil Bose Back To Earth Permaculture @bte_permaculture

Hello, sub!
I’m working on a school project related to sustainable livestock management, and I’m currently focusing on the role of soil quality in pasture productivity for cattle grazing. I would like to understand, from a scientific and agronomic perspective, which criteria are most relevant when assessing whether a given soil is suitable for pasture.

Specifically:

• Which physical (e.g., texture, compaction, drainage), chemical (e.g., pH, macro/micronutrient levels, CEC), and biological (e.g., microbial activity, organic matter content) properties are typically evaluated?
• How do these properties influence forage growth, nutrient cycling, and overall pasture sustainability?
• Are there standardized protocols or recommended tools used by soil scientists or agronomists for this kind of assessment?

Any detailed explanation, scientific references, or guidance on methodologies would be extremely helpful. Thank you in advance!

Bringing Permaculture at your doorstep. With love, Nikhil

There is some noticeable erosion on the left side of the slope. Trying to determine best way to attack this. Should I terrace w/rock or stone. Or lay mulch and plant ground covers? If i do the terrace, what’s the best way to go about this?

Hey r/Permaculture,

I’m creating simple, beginner-friendly permaculture garden templates to help people to design and visualize their plans for food forests, permaculture systems, or agroforestry projects—without getting overwhelmed by design theory.

I’d love your input: – Are there specific areas you struggle with or layout problems you find challenging in your permaculture gardens? (e.g., small-space guilds, water-harvesting earthworks, etc.)
– Would you use a downloadable garden template that included: – Zone-by-zone plant lists – Rough spacing guidelines – Blank sketches to pencil in your own ideas

**The first 5 people to comment/DM me get a free custom sketch of their garden space (hand-drawn or digital) in exchange for honest feedback.

Why? I’m testing demand before launching paid products, and I’d rather build something actually useful.

Projects Examples of what I’m working on: – suburban backyard homesteads -Urban patio/balcony -Rural homestead -Community Farm Scale

My Background: I’m a landscape architect passionate about making regenerative agriculture and permaculture design accessible.

Would this help you? Brutal honesty welcome!

I have about 40 acres of raw desert land that little by little I want to green up. I will first work with the arroyos and from there start to make Earth Smiles. I made some “human” beaver dams along the arroyos. I checked them out yesterday and they slowed down the rain but also broke down (not completelt).

Do you recommend me making those dams with just rock from around the land?

What other techniques, ideas do you recommend me?

I can learn how to make adobe bricks and made actual mini dams.

Thanks