Garden Planning

Designing a Closed-Loop Garden System: A Practical Blueprint for Home Gardeners
ByStephen Albert

Introduction: Why Closed-Loop Systems Matter A closed-loop garden system mimics natural ecosystems by recycling nutrients, water, and organic matter. Over decades of hands-on gardening, I’ve seen that designing your garden as a self-sustaining cycle reduces waste, strengthens soil, and improves plant productivity. Instead of constantly importing fertilizers or water, closed-loop systems leverage compost, mulch, cover…

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How to Plan a Regenerative Garden from the Ground Up
ByStephen Albert

Planning a regenerative garden is about more than planting vegetables—it’s about designing a system that works with nature to build soil, conserve water, support biodiversity, and create long-term productivity. Over decades of gardening experience, I’ve found that thoughtful planning from the start makes all the difference in creating a thriving, resilient garden. A regenerative garden…

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Zone and Sector Planning for Regenerative Gardens
ByStephen Albert

Effective regenerative gardening starts with thoughtful design, and two key tools for planning are zone and sector analysis. Zone planning focuses on how often you visit and interact with different parts of your garden, while sector planning considers external factors like sun, wind, water flow, and wildlife. Together, they help you create a garden that…

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How to Build a Community Garden Using Regenerative Principles
ByStephen Albert

Creating a community garden that is regenerative means designing a space that not only grows food but also restores the soil, supports local ecosystems, and strengthens community connections. Regenerative community gardens focus on biodiversity, water and soil health, nutrient cycling, and collaboration, creating a resilient and productive space for everyone involved. From my experience helping…

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Seasonal Journal: Observing Regeneration in a Year-Round Garden
ByStephen Albert

A seasonal journal is an essential tool for gardeners practicing regenerative methods. It allows you to track soil health, plant growth, wildlife activity, and weather patterns throughout the year, helping you understand the cycles of regeneration in your garden. By recording observations, you can make informed decisions, adapt practices, and celebrate successes while identifying areas…

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Square Foot Gardening Basics
ByStephen Albert

Square Foot Gardening (SFG) is a method of gardening that maximizes space and minimizes effort by dividing a garden into small, manageable squares, typically one square foot each. It was popularized by Mel Bartholomew in his 1981 book Square Foot Gardening, which aimed to simplify gardening for beginners and reduce common problems like weeding, watering,…

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