Before we dig into the 12 principles, one last general post. Permaculture is a huge topic and there are a lot of resources available online to learn more about it. Here are a few I really like (I have no financial relationship with any of the companies or websites mentioned below. I receive no remuneration for mentioning them on this blog.)

• The website Permaculture Principles talks about the principles and also has a lot of resources you can purchase or download.
• PermaWiki: A collaborative effort to exchange information about permaculture, sustainability, environmentalism and organic gardening.
• Worldwide Permaculture Network: An interactive database showcasing permaculture projects and practitioners worldwide.
• We The Trees: A crowd-funding platform that lets you help make permaculture, endeavors become a reality.

Better yet, plan to visit a permaculture farm this year:

• Harmony Park in Clarks Grove, Minn., is a wonderful example of permaculture principles in practice.
• Gale Woods Farm in Minnetrista may not talk about itself as a permaculture farm but it uses a lot of the practices. They give tours in this teaching space.

Seed Suppliers

It’s all about the seeds with us gardeners, isn’t it? I buy my seeds from only a few companies, which are NOT subsidiaries of the largest seed companies in the world — Monsanto, DuPont, Sygenta, Land O’Lakes, etc. You can get non-GMO, organic, heirloom and non-treated seed from them.

• Baker’s Creek Heirloom Seed Company
• High Mowing Organic Seeds
• Seed Savers Exchange
• Johnny’s Seeds

Looking for local businesses to help you move your permaculture designed garden to the next level? Just love to browse garden stores? These are my favorites. (Again, I have no relationship with these stores other than being a customer and loving them!)

• Egg Plant Urban Farm Supply, 1771 Selby Ave., St. Paul. They offer plants, tools and classes.
• Mother Earth Gardens, 3738 42^nd Ave. S., Minneapolis. They have organic seeds and plants, native plants and classes in the dead of winter to whet your appetite for spring.

If you are looking for a larger collection of native plants, try these:

• landscapealternatives.com, 25316 St. Croix Trail, Shafer, Minn. – 651-257-4460
• info@prairiemoon.com, 32115 Prairie Lane, Winona, Minn. 55987
• Prairie Restoration, prairieresto.com, Scandia, Minn.
• Sam Kadem Nursery and Garden, 1214 191St. East, Hastings

Next week, we’ll begin looking at the permaculture principles.