• Thematic: the activity should be linked to the topic you want to address. If your project has to do with permaculture you could try to introduce concepts like energy or natural elements.
• Order: you need to find the right timing for each activity. An energyzer is a perfect way to start the session or break the ice and you could finish with a trust related activity.
• Relevance: if we have a lot of ideas we should focus on the ones more linked to the subject matter that will have a more useful outcome.
• Fun (Ameno): it's important to have fun and keep everyone focused. If a group is too big, you can make different groups so that everyone can be active instead of just waiting for their turn.

1. Permaculture Design Course (PDC) by Geoff Lawton: Geoff Lawton is a renowned permaculture teacher and designer who offers an online Permaculture Design Course through his website.
   
   

2. Permaculture Women's Guild: Offers a variety of online courses and workshops focused on permaculture, regenerative farming, and ecological design, with an emphasis on women's perspectives. 
   
   

3. Permaculture Apprentice: Provides online permaculture courses, including the Permaculture Design Course and specialized courses on topics such as water management, food forests, and soil regeneration. 
   
   

4. Oregon State University Online Permaculture Design Course: This university offers an accredited online Permaculture Design Course that covers the principles and practices of permaculture design.
   
   

5. Udemy: An online learning platform that hosts a wide range of permaculture courses, taught by different instructors. You can find courses on permaculture design, sustainable gardening, and related topics.
   
   

6. Permaculture Association: Provides online courses, including the Introduction to Permaculture course, offered by the Permaculture Association in the UK.  
   
   

7. Milkwood Permaculture: Offers online permaculture courses and workshops covering various aspects of permaculture, organic gardening, and sustainable living.
   
   

8. Permaculture Design Course Online by Permaculture Design International: A comprehensive online course that covers the principles, ethics, and practical applications of permaculture design.
   
   

9. Permaculture Research Institute: Offers online courses on permaculture design, regenerative agriculture, and related topics. 
   
   

10. Regenerative Leadership Institute: Provides online permaculture courses, including the Permaculture Design Course and advanced courses on topics like social permaculture and permaculture for professionals.

    
    

11. Online Tool to become Ecological Designer with Permaculture

    
    

12. 3Peas Design: A Permaculture based Tool for Peacebuilding, Reconciliation and Youth Empowerment
    
    
    While online resources are valuable for gaining theoretical knowledge and accessing a broad range of information, they should be complemented by practical experiences. Combining hands-on learning with online resources creates a well-rounded permaculture education that combines both intellectual understanding and practical skills.
    
    
    In conclusion, hands-on learning is essential in permaculture education as it offers a more immersive, experiential, and holistic understanding of the principles and practices. By getting their hands dirty and actively engaging with nature, learners deepen their connection to the land, develop practical skills, and become better equipped to design and create regenerative systems in their own lives.
    
    

Compost is a nutrient-rich, organic matter created through the decomposition of organic waste. It's a valuable resource for enriching soil, promoting plant growth, and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Creating compost involves a simple process and can be utilized in various ways to benefit gardens, lawns, and potted plants.

What is Compost?

Compost is the result of decomposed organic materials such as food scraps, yard waste (like leaves and grass clippings), coffee grounds, eggshells, and more. This natural process involves microorganisms breaking down the organic matter into a nutrient-dense soil-like material, rich in beneficial nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

HOW TO MAKE COMPOST:

Collect Organic Material: Gather a mix of "green" materials (like fruit and vegetable scraps, grass, and plant clippings) and "brown" materials (such as dried leaves, straw, cardboard, or paper). Aim for a balanced mix of carbon and nitrogen-rich materials.

Create a Compost Pile or Bin: Choose a suitable spot for your compost pile or use a compost bin. Layer the organic materials, starting with a base of twigs or straw, followed by alternating layers of green and brown materials.

Maintain Moisture and Aeration: Keep the compost moist like a wrung-out sponge and turn it occasionally to aerate and speed up the decomposition process. Aeration helps microorganisms break down the materials faster.

Monitor and Adjust: Check the compost regularly. It should have an earthy smell. If it's too dry, add water; if it's too wet, add more dry materials. Also, turning the pile helps in even decomposition.

Wait for Decomposition: Depending on various factors like temperature, moisture, and the mix of materials, composting can take a few months to a year. When it looks dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell, it's ready to use.

HOW TO USE COMPOST:

Soil Amendment: Mix compost into garden soil to improve its structure, fertility, and water retention. It provides essential nutrients for plants to thrive.

Mulching: Spread compost around plants as a protective layer. It helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weed growth, and moderates soil temperature.

Potting Mix: Blend compost with other growing mediums to create nutrient-rich potting soil for indoor or outdoor plants.

Top Dressing Lawns: Sprinkle a thin layer of compost over the lawn surface to improve soil quality and encourage healthier grass growth.

Compost Tea: Steep compost in water to create a liquid fertilizer that can be sprayed on plants for an added nutrient boost.

Composting is an eco-friendly way to recycle organic waste, reduce landfill contributions, and create a sustainable soil amendment for healthier plants and gardens.

PARAMETERS THAT AFFECT COMPOST

When creating compost, certain parameters or conditions can optimize the process and help produce high-quality compost efficiently. Here are the key parameters to consider:

Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratio (C:N): Maintain a balanced mix of carbon-rich (brown) and nitrogen-rich (green) materials. The ideal C:N ratio ranges between 25:1 to 30:1 depending on the materials you are using and their C/N concentration. Brown materials provide carbon (dry leaves, straw), while green materials offer nitrogen (food scraps, grass clippings). The ideal compost pile is between three parts brown materials to one part green to half and half.

Moisture Content: Keep the compost pile moist, resembling a wrung-out sponge. Moisture levels of around 50-60% are optimal. Inadequate moisture can slow down decomposition, while excess moisture can lead to anaerobic conditions and unpleasant odors.

Aeration and Oxygen: Proper aeration is crucial for the activity of aerobic microorganisms that break down the organic matter. Turning the compost pile regularly or having adequate ventilation in a compost bin ensures oxygen reaches the microorganisms.

Temperature: Compost piles naturally generate heat as microorganisms decompose organic matter. Temperatures between 110°F to 160°F (43°C to 71°C) are favorable for microbial activity. High temperatures help kill pathogens and weed seeds.

Particle Size and Surface Area: Smaller-sized organic materials decompose faster due to increased surface area available for microbial action. Shredding or chopping larger materials can accelerate the composting process.

pH Levels: Compost pH generally tends to be neutral or slightly acidic, which is suitable for most plants. Regular turning and proper carbon-nitrogen balance help maintain a balanced pH.

Time and Decomposition: Composting times vary depending on environmental conditions, the mix of materials, and management practices. Expect composting to take anywhere from a few months to a year for the materials to fully decompose.

By monitoring and adjusting these parameters as needed, composters can create an ideal environment for microbial activity, facilitating the breakdown of organic matter into nutrient-rich compost.

WHAT TO AVOID IN COMPOST:

1. Meat and Dairy Products: These can attract pests and produce unpleasant odors when decomposing. They also break down slowly and might introduce pathogens to the compost.

2. Oily or Greasy Foods: Fats, oils, and grease can hinder the composting process. They can create clumps, slow down decomposition, and cause odor issues.

3. Processed Foods and Fast Food: Foods high in salt, preservatives, or cooked in oil should be avoided. These can disrupt the balance of the compost pile and attract unwanted pests.

4. Diseased Plants: Avoid adding plants that are diseased or infested with pests. The compost might not reach a high enough temperature to kill pathogens, which can then spread in your garden when you use the compost.

5. Pet Waste: Waste from dogs, cats, or other carnivorous animals should not be composted. It may contain harmful pathogens that can survive the composting process and pose health risks.

6. Coal or Charcoal Ash: Ash from coal or charcoal can contain substances harmful to plants. They can raise the pH level of the compost, affecting its quality.

7. Chemically Treated Wood or Sawdust: Wood that has been treated with chemicals or painted should not be composted as it can release harmful substances.

8. Weeds with Mature Seeds: While many weeds can be composted, those with mature seeds might not be killed during the composting process and can sprout in your garden when you use the compost.

   
   

Remember, a successful compost pile requires a balance of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials to break down effectively. Avoiding these specific types of waste will help maintain a healthy and efficient composting process, resulting in nutrient-rich compost for your garden.

Q&A

How long does it take to make compost?

Composting time varies based on factors like materials used, size of the pile, and environmental conditions. It can take anywhere from two weeks to two years depending on the materials used, the size of the pile, and how often it is turned.

Do I need a compost bin or can I compost without one?

You can compost without a bin by creating a simple pile, but bins help contain the materials, regulate moisture, and control pests. Bins can range from DIY setups to commercially available ones.

Can I compost in an apartment or small space?

Yes, you can! Use indoor composting methods like vermicomposting (with worms) or bokashi composting that are suitable for smaller spaces.

What should I do if my compost smells bad?

A smelly compost pile usually indicates too much moisture or an imbalance in materials. Add more brown materials like dry leaves or cardboard and turn the pile to aerate it.

How can I speed up the composting process?

Chop materials into smaller pieces, turn the pile regularly, maintain proper moisture and aeration, and consider using compost accelerators or activators.

Is composting difficult or time-consuming?

Composting can be simple once you understand the basics. It might require some effort initially but can become a routine part of managing organic waste.

Can I compost during winter or in colder climates?

Yes, composting in colder weather is possible. Insulate the pile, use smaller pieces of materials, and consider indoor composting methods.

Is composting environmentally friendly?

Yes, composting reduces landfill waste, decreases methane emissions, enriches soil health, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, making it an eco-friendly practice.

b. Sepp Holzer==> Stone walls designer (thermal mass of stones for create microclimates)

c. "The swale plume" (Videos by Geoff Lawton)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wETVPEkHso)

d. " Green Gold" (Documentary by John D. Liu)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBLZmwlPa8A)

e. "Regeneración de la Sierra de Espuña" (Project developed by Ricardo Codorniú)

He has work also as external evaluator for the Spanish National Agency, for KA2 projects, and also has experience for working as project manager for local administration for environmental projects for several years.

Compare it with our map.

agriculture through formal education, and took part in Peace Studies through informal education. With GAIA Kosovo (SCI branch in Kosovo) she organized peace building activities based on permaculture. She was our trainer in Kulture.

integrating regenerative thinking and permaculture design methods and principles to envision natural based homes, homesteads and farm facilities interconnected within lush, beautiful, delicious perennial food forests and ecosystems. He was our trainer in Kulture.

for contacts

IG @margine_podcast

I created the story and did the production of the final video of Kulture.

Here is our story and we hope it can be of inspiration for your future activities in the field of Erasmus+, environmental education and regenerative practices.

The main aim of the project was to introduce a series of experts in different fields (non-formal education, agriculture, forest management, rural development, landscape management, etc) to principles and methods of permaculture in order to integrate different perspectives and knowledge into the broader framework of regenerative practices. The project also aimed at equipping participants with smart and functional tools or resources inspired by permaculture in order to deliver regenerative (educational) actions at local level.

Between June and October 2023, we met several times online, we shared our learning experience and started preparation for future activities. In particular, we had some sessions on regenerative design, we planned to create a food forest in Morigerati as part of our second activity and we created a first digital map of our intervention (see it at the end of this padlet) together with a first plan of activities to be carried, plants to be planted and risk to be taken into account.

In November 2023, we met in Morigerati. For 10 days, the small village of Morigerati was full of participants from all over Europe. The week was extremely intense: we made an operational plan for the food forest, we interacted with the local community, we collected materials, we cooked together, we learned about regenerative design and practices with experts and put in practice our knowledge in the food forest we realized. On top of this, we recorded our progress, organized a meeting with local community, journalists and other interested people in order to share what we did and to exchange good practices.

After Morigerati, we had several follow-up activities. Most of them, were unplanned and spontaneously grew from the interests of participants:

1. a group of people wanted to realize another educational activity; we engaged in project writing and applied for an Erasmus+ Mobility of Youth Workers project named "SuSLab: Skills for a Desirable Future!". We decided to see sustainability with the lenses of young people focusing on desire, imagination and actions for a desirable future.

2. some participants continued their journey into regenerative practices with communities and collaborated with our partner Permaculture Elementare;

3. our partners in Kosovo presented KULTURE as a good practice in Youth field at an Erasmus+ event

4. some participants focused on producing outputs that could give a longer life to our project and could inspire other people. They created this padlet, a promotional video, different resources and a podcast. (You find all of them here!)

We think that this tool and our story can be used:

1. to learn about permaculture and regenerative practices;

2. to get inspiration for organizing educational activities in rural areas and on environmental topics;

3. to get inspiration about innovative and practical activities within Erasmus+ to be carried out at the benefit of local community.

4. to explore new methods in environmental education.