Mediterranean Permaculture Food Forest - John Kaisner The Natural Farmer

www.johnkaisner.com/
This is a tour of our 3 1/2 year old, 6,000 m2 Zone 3 Food Forest on the NE coast of Sicily (USDA Zone 10).

[@andrewh25]

100 hrs reflecting before 1 hr of work reminds me of an Abraham Lincoln quote “if I only had one hour to chop a tree, I would spend 45 minutes sharpening the axe” ! Your prperty is amazing and inspirational, John. Thanks! 🌞✨

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Yeah. Old Abe. Miss that guy. Thanks for sharing that one. It's a keeper!

[@nevercommentnotevenonce9334]

Hack

[@clementhattiger]

Hey John, my name is Clément from France. I'm a natural farmer at heart. I've been following your KZbin channel for several years now, and I must say that I really appreciate what you share, your evolution, what you give us. I am infinitely grateful for your work and your life, you are a great inspiration to me. Always be yourself, your unique self. Thank you so much.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you Clément. Your words have touched my heart. You sound like an insightful and caring human being. I wish you much happiness and contentment in your life. Sincerely, John

[@clementhattiger]

@@TheNaturalFarmer Thank you so much, John. I wish you the same.

[@stephencooley8493]

When you said, "Conserve frustration" I thought that this may be one of the most important things for any project. Working hard and tackling chalanges can build self worth but frustration tears that down so quickly. I am going to go out now and just sit and look at my garden. Thanks for that.

[@tiffanywilkerson5569]

Such a great video, I just got my permaculture design certificate and am starting a food forest in Northern CA, in a mediterranean climate and this gave me so many ideas! Thank you

[@johnkaisner6975]

Congratulations! I'm happy to hear that the video was helpful. Best of luck on your great adventure! :)

[@JoshuaRes]

What a lovely calm explanation of such an incredible shifting system. Not loud, not boastful, just sharing. Really appreciate it!

[@antonettetitus4258]

APPRECIATE YOU, JOHN KAISNER.

[@sallybauer3234]

One gets the feel of peace that comes with the connection to land. Not fighting against what happens naturally. It’s a real pleasure watching how far you’ve come. I have friends in Texas who deal with the heavy rains and the dry hot weather. I have introduced you to them. Your wealth of knowledge endures. Good job

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much Sally. Happy to hear from you.

[@janetbransdon3742]

Every morning I make a pot of coffee and my cat and I bask in the early morning sun. I too enjoy looking over my garden, watching the chickens pecking away. I can see what needs to be done and plan my day accordingly. Sending love and well wishes from Australia. 🤗SUBSCRIBED.

[@eileenosullivan4925]

John, I could watch and listen to you all day. Your work/life is very inspiring.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you my friend. Always a pleasure to hear from you! Be well!

[@jareedmareed6711]

First thumb up. Greeting from Indonesia. I really enjoy your videos

[@danielrustandi]

I'm watching him from Bali. Enjoying to follow the progress and developments of his projects since he was in India. Great guy and amazing job!

[@Sam-xm2cs]

And I'm watching from Jogja. About to embark on my green adventure in Kulon Progo regency and so find John's progress inspirational!

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you Jareed. Great to hear from you so quickly! All the best...

[@theodore6288]

Being Greek and really getting interested at permaculture lately and watching someone do thing's like this in very similar climates to what I have to deal with is great help can't wait to finish my military service and start similar projects

[@JacobDVerde]

Thank you John, you are an amazing teacher!

[@naiyanascott6466]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful homestead and all the amazing steps that got you there. We have a totally off grid homestead in Hawaii and had the same experience during the pandemic, really felt so happy and grateful to have set up our place as it is. As we grow more food and get more comfortable hunting the wild pigs, we will truly have all we need. Please continue sharing your knowledge 🙏

[@xianghouzinjianghu5001]

I can only imagine how many ancient artifacts and coins you find while gardening. What a paradise

[@DoktorSchu]

It‘s rare that a video leaves me kind of satiated and rested. Well done, I really dig your vibe, Sir.

[@ingeleonora-denouden6222]

those boulders are beautiful! They give a special look to your land.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Hello Inge. I agree. We are lucky to have those boulders. Very grateful.

[@mettadinesh7270]

Good to see u back John!

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you!

[@synwavvinedo]

You’re such an inspiration to me, especially your commitment to self sufficiency on the land’s own resources, such as water. It helps me stand firm in my leap of faith, based on commitment to the principles behind the process. I’m currently working on a similar project in a tiny mountain village in Andalucía. Right now, I’m fixing some olive terraces in a very labor intensive fashion, solo…but it’s enjoyable work. Especially knowing that I’m essentially working toward less work over time. 😊❤

[@2Birds1Stone_]

Love it! New subscriber here living in a “modified mediterranean” climate here on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state. Good garden reflections. Thanks for the good video.

[@cobococreek1224]

Good to see a place not mostly covered and dependent on plastic. It's everywhere I look on some of these small farms and it helps me along to see others figuring out a way to grow a bit more like our past fellow humans who were forced by the lack of technology to be more in tune with nature, and accept a way that seems to have almost been forgotten! I too have used machinery to excavate small ponds at my place, but leaning more towards slowly doing everything by hand, and smaller now.

[@ChiefofSinnersThoughIBe]

Great video! I love your philosophy.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you

[@gurjantsandhu]

Good to see you are doing well. You have made wonder out of that I do remember the initial landscape when you were trying to mulching using pine needles. Would love to see your small wonder if I ever visit Sicily.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Haha. Yeah that video with the pine needles was actually from my Father-in-law's land. Big change moving from southern Kerala to here. We feel like we've finally found a good rhythm. Nice to hear from you. And yes, drop us a line if you're ever in Sicily! All the best..

[@claimhsolais3466]

It's so good to see you back on youtube Sir! Best of health and prosperity for you and your lovely family!

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much

[@newtboot7855]

Beautiful system, thank you for sharing

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you

[@shinnyari]

Wow looks amazing, thanks for showing me around your beautiful food forest.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

My pleasure. Thank you for your kind comment.

[@ForestoftheMind]

Wonderful to see how this journey has managed to be so inspiring. From my work in Nicaragua being influenced by your banana and papaya circles, to returning back home to Italy and seeing you already making such good work here too! Well done and Thank you!

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much for your kind words. I'm happy to hear that your putting these things into action in Nicaragua. Amazing...

[@thenewyorkbackwoods6944]

John, your video is absolutely wonderful. Thank you for sharing

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much

[@NathanHarrison7]

Awesome video. Very relaxing voice and rate of speech. Part of his nature no doubt and the nature he built. Loved the Bench Banter.

[@aron8949]

Missed you a lot

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thanks Aron. Good to hear from you

[@federico8342]

This channel... Just wonderful! I'm growing a food forest in the area of Catania, and youre advices are really precious!

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much. Sono contento di ricevere un comment di qualcuno cosi vicino. Buon progresso!

[@johnmcginnis5201]

John, an excellent presentation. The property is really responding well.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much John. Nice to hear from you.

[@helenharland6050]

Wow, when you facilitate nature she’s works fast. So much growth.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Yes. We just have to understand how to partner well...

[@marianhrubypumper4092]

Thank you for returning to you tube. 👵🏻This old woman missed you God bless you and your family.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you :)

[@eclover632]

I am so happy I found your channel!

[@bte_permaculture]

To the one who made me believe in myself, thank you so much for being alive, sharing your knowledge and to guide people like me. Much love from Alleppey, Kerala, India 💚🙏

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much. Big hugs to you and Kerala :)

[@bte_permaculture]

@@TheNaturalFarmer 🥰🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️🙏💚😁

[@AndiAsante]

Lovely analogy with the kids growing up, getting more independent, just like the garden. Hope to be able visit you and your place soon

[@nestorchavez2946]

When you make the desert green, you are a permaculture master.

[@mclovin2232]

Glad to see your back John!

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thanks McLovin. :)

[@wildstories.7694]

That’s awesome !!! Bravo

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you Beppe :)

[@ThinglishLifestyle]

It's great to see how your land has developed over the past 3 years or so. I swear you haven't aged a day. Living the good life; )

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Haha. Thanks! All of the aging must have happened inside. Ha! Nice to hear from you...

[@chaines1043]

Living the dream!

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Yes indeed. Feeling very fortunate. Thanks for reaching out.

[@hdani1981]

Really like your train of thoughts, privilege to enjoy! Thank you!

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much Daniel

[@wattafars]

Great info John! Thanks for sharing. Currently working in a design in Mallorca.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

You're welcome. Good luck on your project.

[@FormingFantasticFitness]

This channel speaks to me. It was good to see your work again John. Thank you for that.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

My pleasure. Thanks for reaching out

[@etiennelouw9244]

I am also in a Mediterranean climate over here in Cape Town, South Africa and I started a Food Forest in the small front yard of my suburban home.

[@osdias]

The land is looking incredible in just a few short years. Also beautifully edited and explained. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you!

[@arcadiapermaculture974]

This is our new favourite video of yours. Hope to see the place if we're able to make it to Sicily!

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Yes that would be lovely. Come and visit...

[@nestorchavez2946]

Incredible job on few years. Turning rocky landscape into green little forest. I know it not easy for experience.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Great to hear from you...

[@jgravz1]

Your videos are filled with so much peace and wisdom. Thank you for putting a new video out.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you Josh. Nice to hear from you.

[@theosisinstituteofhealinga6528]

Very inspiring....thanks for sharing.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you

[@glassdaft]

Beautiful land, beautiful presentation. I was transported there with your tour. Look forward to seeing more.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you

[@karenorr547]

Thanks so much, John! Missed seeing you and your beautiful land.. Come more often.

[@TheVigilantStewards]

I've enjoyed following your channel for the past few years! I've done my first food forest and my first biointensive annual garden... have learned a lot from both.... the learning continues as I observe them over the years

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

That's great to hear Carmelo. I'm very happy for you. Thanks for reaching out...

[@anthonynewbery407]

Thank you for showing us around your food forest. Lots of food for thought in your words. Look forward to seeing more of your videos soon.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you Anthony

[@kwlweapons]

Amazing to see the land progress and the interventions maturing. Thank you for sharing your journey and insights

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much

[@LucasOliveira-fl7tt]

Great video, John! Thanks for sharing!

[@stephenmoss9842]

Great to see you back. Everything is looking very lush. Congratulations on all your hard work.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you Stephen

[@bodilskumsrud520]

What a lovely walk around in your food-forest!It works perfectly!A peaceful place to spend time and get inspired!And your philosophy around your decisions,the huge stones,the rainwater,it sounds very right…thanks for inviting us in! 😊🎶

[@courtneyheron1561]

So pleased to see your videos again. I appreciate and align with your point of views in this video. Thank you for so generously sharing your knowledge, experience and insights.

[@MrMurse-xk1tx]

Hello John, I love watching you YT channel, its been a Big Inspiration for me living in New York for a while now wanting to go back home in the Philippines where I came from and grow up. I am a Registered Nurse in New York City area for 2 decades now. I have this desire of wanting to go back home and take care of our farm. The biggest problem in our farm is water. I would love to learn more of your methods. Thank you for sharing your beautiful place. Love, Derick...

[@georgedebs3566]

John! So nice to see a new video from you. Your videos in this place always move me so deeply.. with the nostalgia of my home in Lebanon. The Mediterranean is so special and to see you doing this work and expressing the land in such a beautiful way really takes me back to the songs and whispers I heard in the meadows and forests of my childhood. Thank you for the work you are doing, and love the bench idea! Sit, relax, observe, and enjoy! Looking forward to hopefully visiting your place in the future as it matures and grows! So inspiring

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Hello George. Yes, please come and visit someday. That would be a pleasure. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt expressions about growing up on the land in Lebanon. That was very touching for me to read. You have a poetic heart my friend. That's nice to hear, especially in a KZbin comment. Thank you. All the best to you and yours. Stay safe my friend...

[@bpsahurtp]

Nature is a medium to contact with suprem power of universe through farming Good job sir From India.

[@ColoradicalCouple]

You are a great role model & teacher. Your food forest is beautiful & inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much. Good to hear from you as always. All the best to you and yours...

[@lenovoa-iz6kj]

Thank you Mr.John. As the trees grow, it feels like we were also there all the time. Your farm looks so familiar to me. Regarding rain water harvest, it is good to see a person who saw abuse of water resources first hand, and instead complaining about it, has actually implemented a tangible solution in Sicily. Whenever I have any questions regarding contour trenches, i still refer to four of your videos . (one with a mango, one with two sticks and a plastic tube, third one is on a farmer's land using an earth mover and fourth one by installing a Sintex tank to harvest the rain water at a house in Kerala)

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

You are very kind. Thank you for your comment. Very much appreciated :)

[@xyzsame4081]

@@TheNaturalFarmer Hi, if you see this I would be interested in certain answers - also issues for future videos if you need some inspiration ;) I subscribed. How do you manage mosquitos, since the ponds are temporary ? and the swales have the water standing for longer in the winter. Do you have fish, or frog / toad spawn in it for a part of the year, that will eat the mosquito larvae. Do you maintain some wet corner where frogs can survive year round to control mosquitos (and other pests) ? Is the muddy water pumped up to the tank ? I guess you have some filters or reed beds or something. No swimming pond I guess ... (or the ocean nearby ) Are there any breeding grounds for dragon flies (I thought they need reeds to lay their eggs on, and those need a shallow or marshy area). Sepp Holzer had large boulders partially in ponds to warm them up - that is is an Alpine feature you do not need in summer, but in combination with a leaf tree that shades it in summer (if they lose those leaves in winter / the rainy season) that could have worked. So warming up the pond only in the cooler season to promote growth in it. And the boulders would also work as mass in green houses (in winter) - to warm them. have you thought about growing water plants in the ponds that would shade the surface and minimize evaporation losses ? (might of course mess with the pumps if you just want to pump up the water to the tank. There are water lilies that have starchy roots, duck week is good fodder,...

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

@@xyzsame4081 Ponds dry up before mosquitos hatch in the spring. I've planted water plants, but the kind that can survive 6 months of dry pond conditions. Trees have been planted to shade out in the Summer. I don't need warmth or greenhouses in the winter. Sepp Holzer and I are in absolutely and totally different climates. Mediterranean permaculture is a pretty specific language. Where do you live?

[@matthewsmith995]

Thank you for the advice. People like you keep me excited about my future.

[@prakashb8480]

Happy to see you and your forest after a long time. Please post videos on regular basis. It encourages and teaches me on planning and designing a natural food forest.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Hey Prakash. Nice to hear from you. I'm a professional permaculture designer and teacher. After studying with others for many years, that's how I make my living, so that's what takes the majority of my time (aside from raising my child). Only when those things have been tended to am I able to make KZbin videos. Lately, as you have noticed, it's been rare. This may change as my child gets older and goes to school, but I'm not sure. In any case, I'm happy you are here. Thanks for reaching out...

[@trackin951]

Thank you so much John. For a while I couldn't recall the name of your channel and it just reappeared for me today and I'm so thankful it did. I love your attitude, your skills and your ability to transfer this knowledge to us. What a treat. Keep it up.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much Dustin. Nice to hear from you

[@urban9361]

Thank you John😀. As per usual your gentle informative way of presenting the wonderful things you design and do are such a pleasure to learn from. Living as I do, in Queensland Australia, the wet season versus dry season advice/information is certainly valuable. Plus the pleasure of watching your food forest grow and develop is a pleasure indeed. Love to you and your family from me and mine😀❤️😀❤️

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

You're very kind my friend. Thank you for that. Much appreciated. Love to you and your family from me and my family as well... :)

[@TheFortKnight]

Things have really progressed, John. It looks amazing! I love the use of the rock. We have some land now, so I’m hoping to utilize these design tips. Thank you, as always, for taking the time to share this journey with us!

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much. Nice to hear from you...

[@2509zg99]

Those rounded rock walls are very aesthetic too, apart from functional. We are very happy to witness this place rapidly evolving into a paradise. Thank you for sharing your journey!

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you George :)

[@charliehobson33]

cheers jon. You haven't appeared on my feed for ages, nice to have you back, I wanted to watch one of your vids but forgot the name of the channel.

[@badrinath9194]

Your channel and Videos speak to me as if it were mine.. very happy to see you!!

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much for your kind comment :)

[@shannonmccoy9103]

What a beautiful approach you have to the use of your land and resources! This is a very inspiring video as I am trying to make the best use of my small, but beautiful and productive acre here in the Pacific Northwest. I'm so happy to have stumbled upon your channel today!

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much Shannon. Great to hear from you. Glad you found the channel, and good luck with your project!

[@Alexander-sg2gf]

Congratulations on the amazing work, you have a beautiful place there. I´m in Greece at about the same latitude as you but down at sea level. The summer heat is here and the grass is drying out. Your point on how suddenly it just clicks is spot on for me at the moment and I feel as though things are finally falling into place. I´m doing the main frame earthworks on this old orange grove and finally managed to find the main patterns, it´s funny how all of a sudden you see what was right in front of you all along. Anyway, thank you for this calm and well composed video.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much. I'm glad to hear things are moving forward for you...

[@this-is-slammin-549]

Absolutely beautiful John. Wow! It almost looks to have been in place fo 100 years. I give my best, to you and your family.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Haha. Thanks man! Nice to hear from uyou as always. My best to you and your family as well...

[@huwpalmer2496]

It's an immense pleasure to watch your videos,thanks. I live on an eroded mountainside in Andalucia. I may have missed it but you don't mention the annual rainfall in your area, it's obviously enough to keep everything alive and thriving.

[@ramhornjoe]

Hi John, new subscriber. Finally got onto some rural land this past September & have been slowly setting up an off grid homestead. I love seeing the surge in natural farming & working with mother nature. Thanks for posting & hopefully in the near future i'll get some vids up too.

[@benjaminklenner4310]

I used to watch what you were doing in India... Great to see what you're doing in the mediterranean. We have a similar climate here in Perth, Western Australia. Keen to learn from you. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thanks for reaching out. Good to hear from you

[@NatureMermaid]

Beautiful!

[@ranjanmorarji9690]

Such an inspirational video , full of good ideas.

[@ck-4203]

Awesome job. Agree with all your advice!

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thanks. Nice to hear from you

[@jungletearaway]

Thank you John. I’d love to see a great many people follow your example. You really are an exceptional human.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

We all have things we love. I'm happy to have found mine. I'm glad you're here.

[@MrSpringfellow]

Hello John, I am from Cebu Island in the Philippines. Thank you for all the knowledge you posted here. They are really useful in my little farm 650m above sea level.

[@MrErjongorani]

Amazing! First time I get to know about you and your project, so inspiring. From today, I have a new hero to admire. Thanks and all te best for you and your family.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you Erjon for your very nice comment. It's very nice to hear from you. I hope that you and yours are keeping well during these difficult times.

[@Kevin-Cruz]

Beautiful stuff man! Been learning from your videos for years. Never stop doing what you're doing :)

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you Kevin. Nice to hear from you...

[@scrucs]

fantastic video John, looking forward coming to visit one day, if possible! you did an amazing work, congratulations.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much. Yes, come and see us...

[@hudsonb631]

beautiful!

[@gintautaskorinth5862]

Fantastic work.

[@pablokozatch8403]

This is an incredible accomplishment. One day I hope to reflect and feel the same feeling with my own land

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much for your kind words Pablo. I'm sure you will take wonderful care of your land, and that these feelings will get stronger and stronger. Be well my friend.

[@wes4192]

Its really coming along John. Great work.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you

[@joaomarcelino5035]

Happy to see you again. Looks great your property. I hope your little girl is fine too.

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thank you very much João. She's very good. Nice to hear from you.

[@marianunez7715]

I love your videos so much. I’ve been following you since you were in India. You are such an accomplished farmer!

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Wow! Thank you Maria. You are very kind. Always encouraging to get such an uplifting comment. Thank you very much. All the best to your and yours.

[@Lvaladez114]

Simply beautiful 😍

[@RockOwnz46]

Very magical little piece of property in the land of one of my ancestors. Honestly, I'm fascinated and inspired by your work because I'm interested in studying permaculture myself. Currently at the university earning a geography & environmental studies. Permaculture is a critical practice for subsistence and small-scale farmers.

[@michal9229]

Great job John. 👍

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Thanks Michal!

[@macw2234]

Looking very healthy John. Hi from the Netherlands

[@TheNaturalFarmer]

Hello Monty. Good to hear from you. Hello to the Netherlands! :)

[@pongop]

Very cool video! I love the music!

[@jessieelliott3157]

Thankyou for the advice "think for 100 hours before working for 1 hour." I really needed to hear that today as im feeling frustrated that im not getting ahead. Im just so eager to do stuff on our very challenging property that i keep going in like a bull at a gate and making errors.

[@DJ-uk5mm]

Hi John. Just stumbled across your channel absolutely love your attitude and your design ethos.I’m looking at doing something similar in the UKWill hopefully be starting on this journey in the next couple of months.Keep up the great work. You are an inspiration

[@beaearth9273]

Congratulations. It Looks Like a great place!