Permaculture in Action | The 12 Principles Demonstrated

Come take a tour of my permaculture smallholding in County Sligo, Ireland. In this video I take each of the 12 permaculture principles and show you ways in which I've implemented each on my one acre cottage garden.
📧 Contact me and find out more on www.mossybottom.ie
🎧 Join me on Patreon for Podcasts and more content: / mossybottom
🐷 Or browse more pictures of my animals and smallholding on Instagram: / mossy_bottom

[@mortenwellhaven]

In this world, my escape to your channel is pure joy...maybe even a requirement. I grew up on a large homestead in Norway, not quite a farm. The organized "mess," chickens, and a few farm animals, guided by my grandmother, were great food producers. The food and root cellar was massive for a little boy. After harvest time, I would walk through it with a flashlight to look at our bounty and filled bins. I did not feel rich. I felt wealth. And without being taught, I came to know the seasons, the land, and those who lived on it. You are a gift with every posting.

[@thekrrib]

What an inspirational comment. I dream about having a root cellar. I live in New Zealand and they aren't really a thing here. Still, I would love to have an underground or semi underground food storage cellar.

[@Marie-yx5ie]

thekrrib, I was thinking the same. Love your video's Daniel 👍😉🇮🇪☘️

[@kingwah9009]

I totally agree the passion for prosperity is uplifting

[@sclark223]

"Doing things slowly should be taught in school" - this teacher rejoiced to hear that! Deep learning, no matter the subject, cannot happen in a rush. I'm glad you talk about taking small steps, and about learning from mistakes. Oh, and this: "Dominance creates vulnerability; diversity produces resilience" - yes! There's a great deal of social application in your permaculture principles too, Daniel. Enjoying this series on many levels!

[@LiLBitsDK]

but schools always rush stuff... we gotta be done so we can move on to the next subject, never really diving deep into anything

[@marirose19]

@@LiLBitsDK And I remember my poor kids carrying backpacks filled w/textbooks etc that wore them out. Homeschooling was the smartest thing I’ve ever done for them.

[@LiLBitsDK]

@@marirose19 yeah that too, nothing smart like only a few different lessons per day nooo you need like everything, every day and it is HEAVY

[@paullane1950]

@@amremorse Great post. Thanks for sharing. Algebra and trig are overrated anyway. Best of luck in life from nz.

[@growingwithnatureofficial]

Schools should teach children how to GROW food. It is a seriously undervalued skill that is getting lost down the generations. Reconnecting with nature and where our food comes from is so important.

[@user-ce4fb1ne5g]

I just like to comment on your presentation skills, you have a wonderful speaking voice, you look and sound like a professional TV presenter. You remind me of the presenters of years gone by from the 1970s to perhaps 90s TV programs was wonderful during that time. 🪴 From M UK

[@sofiavalenzuela9782]

Yes, his voice is what first caught my attention, his tone and slow diction is captivating.

[@angelatillman4323]

The shot taken above your home is incredible! You really have done a beautiful job building it up

[@cuppajavaplease]

I love what you have done with your land and animals. It seems that you have discovered the balance in nature. You should write a book outlining your experiments, successes, failures and wisdom in permaculture. So many of us would benefit.

[@oftulipsandhazel4638]

I think he mentioned, that he already is in the process, of writing this exact book🤔🥰 or maybe I just dreamt that part😂😉

[@robertfallows1054]

I live in the Chicago area. Typical suburban lot but I decided to seed certain areas with native flowers. I still have a lawn etc. But it was a revelation to replace retail annuals with native perennial flowers. The bees and birds loved it and the flowers found where they did best and they seem have there own boom and bust cycle through the year. My point is you can return an area back to nature even if it’s small and surrounded by the typical suburban lawn. You might have to do some weeding for some really obnoxious intruders but you can let nature do the rest and save money by not buying those annuals at the big box store.

[@SouthFloridaSunshine]

Yes, perennials are a great way to use your own energy as a gardener more efficiently too. I love using edible tropical perennials where I can in my HOA back yard.

[@SimpleEarthSelfReliance]

As Lawton puts it, there is no thing as a weed. They are indicators and responses to disturbances. Where you have compaction, taproot "weeds" will drill it, where you have erosion, fibrous roots will do the anchoring. But I know what you mean, intruders/invaders are probably worth a bit of work. As for your suburban lot, it sounds awesome. I am stoked to read/hear folks do this on smaller scale. Keep it up Rob!

[@Mookiethedog]

Love all your plants and critters

[@claudinedecarlisle8647]

I love this series Daniel. Thank you for presenting such a clear and comprehensive explanation of permaculture. Especially it being taught in your stunningly lush and beautiful smallholding.

[@Topdoginuk]

Goodness me, you've come on in leaps and bounds with your lifestyle, inspiration, knowledge and articulatory skills. Congratulations and well done. It's been a while since I watched your beginning videos and, I look forward to now catching up on some.

[@eamonhannon1103]

Did you see Moss disinfecting some of the vegetables ?

[@gwenbliss129]

As a teacher for over 20 years, it is my humble opinion you are an excellent teacher. Honest, encouraging, and knowing your subject WELL. Thank you Daniel! I'm working on that compost!

[@chocalatekid8024]

Love the dog helping fertilize the brassicas!!🤣

[@carbonpositiveaustralia]

It's great to see Permaculture Principles being adopted!

[@mrslandanna]

Got the book The earth care manual by Patrick Whitefield which you recommended in the first video. There's a lot to learn but slowly I might get ahead ... Thank you for this video series!

[@williamwoods8765]

Hello Elizabeth

[@KevinOMalleyisonlysmallreally]

I'd also add that a video in each principle would be really useful

[@shamancarmichael5305]

The most clear, concise overview of permaculture I've ever encountered! Well done, and thank you!

[@thekrrib]

Me too. Made my understanding of permaculture so much clearer.

[@tommcgawley8818]

The western red cedar hedge. In the nursery we transplant every other one when they touch each other, thereby giving them space to grow stronger, this is done betweenNovember and March, and of course gives you more established plants to continue your hedge. Keep up the good work.

[@paulaniclinseach8672]

I'm loving this series on permaculture Daniel! I don't live too far from you in Sligo as im in Leitrim, so the land I live on is similar to yours, apart from the fact it's half way up a mountain! so I follow closely what works for you as it should hopefully work for me too! Thanks for all the wonderful advice you're giving, I'd like to visit Mossy Bottom with my family in the future and purchase some of your organic fare!

[@jessicakallen]

Love it! Can't wait for the next. Learning a lot!

[@belwynne1386]

Wonderful series. Really have my thinking cap on how I can apply more of the concepts on my 5 ac.

[@rowanwhite3520]

Another brilliant video from you! Thank you!

[@zenden6584]

Wow this guy is such a inspiration 👏🏻what he has done to that small piece of land is truly amazing and these videos are beyond educational ❤️

[@stacyfelton5588]

Always loved your videos and look forward to watching them, great work Dan

[@jasonterry8883]

Fantastic video! Very well done! Thank you!!

[@The-Hillside-Garden]

Fantastic series, Daniel! Thanks for sharing your learning experiences 🌱

[@dorotheadiallo5790]

thank you so much for putting out this wonderful video

[@patdaniels9662]

Pat here from the U.S. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experiences! It's sure made me think differently of nature, as well as my own little yard, in town. Love your song at the end of each episode! And your property has continued to grow more and more beautiful! Also, wanted to tell you that we just made our first trip to Ireland. I can see why you moved there....it's so beautiful and the people are so nice. We made a point to stop in Sligo to walk around, browse, eat and shop! We stayed at the courtyard by the Markree Castle. The residents of Ireland are so blessed to have such beauty. We will definitely return! Again, thank you Daniel. I appreciate your information!

[@williamwoods8765]

Hello pat

[@angelatillman4323]

This is what I needed to learn about. So much to learn.

[@Col_D]

I always look forward to your videos. Super helpful.

[@theartisanhomestead722]

Thank you so much for sharing this! This is exactly what I was curious about, how you translate the principles on your land, and I hope more people will make video’s with examples like these. Greetings from France

[@walkingthemiles4613]

Fabulous as always!!!

[@magma9138]

Thank you for this excellent guidance!

[@EcklecticCraftJunkie]

Lovely! Very informative! Thank you Daniel!

[@hellopossibleprojects]

Always love your videos man!!you inspired me.. I’ll be doing the same in Portugal next year..but one funny thing😀I noticed moss wee on your vegetable plants at the back of you while you were talking🤣🤣so funny..anyways keep up the good work buddy,always..

[@SpanishEclectic]

So many practical ideas, but yes, learning to live with your piece of land, large or small, and understanding the weather, wind, and sun make a huge difference. The corn, beans, and squash (the three sisters) formed the basis for Meso-american food production, here in my part of the world. All of this is fascinating. I'm happy to see you are giving cats a job...

[@theannecrossett7761]

Thank you for helping me to learn more about permaculture. Love the relationship between you and Moss 🙂

[@fantasticsituation9461]

amazing video, thankyou for doing what you do. you are appreciated

[@francescatappi3241]

You are sharing such important information in your videos. I particularly loved your recipe video 😊

[@raz83]

So beautifully explained. Thank you brother!🙏

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

I enjoyed every minute of this 2nd video in the series 👍Thanks Daniel and Mossy 👩‍🌾💓

[@walshesworkshop]

Mossy Bottom is looking great, and so orderly! Love that path

[@ADAWC]

Good work! Permaculture is an art and magic! Permaculture farmers often create berms, swales and ponds of various sizes to harvest water and avoid tanks. A true permaculture farmer doesn't cut down a tree in the field, very much like your peach tree and carrots. You may even add chives, comfrey or herbs around your peach tree to prevent insects invasion. Perhaps add mums or peonies to beautify the guild. The tree leaves are carbon, nutritious for your vegetables (mulch) and perhaps for poultry food. A farmer would make tree guilds around a tree to preserve the environment for beneficial pollinators, for poultry to forage or to grow vegetables that prefer shady areas. You did very well and ahead of many people! Keep up the good work! Thank you for sharing!🙏

[@kriswickens8157]

I got the sense I was watching a David Attenborough film here. I've seen a few of your videos before but this one made me realize you've come along way in telling your story in a very intriguing but calming manor. Thanks for sharing what you're doing.

[@zohrehrostami9683]

Rich content, good shots, well spoken and explained thoroughly, easy to follow and understand

[@GoodMovesAU]

Great video as always! I'd recommend covering or painting your IBCs. I picked up a vinyl cover for around a tenner on eBay, it blocks the light so algae doesn't grow and it also keeps the sun off the plastic which becomes brittle over time, it will extend the life of an IBC for a few more years here in Australia, I can imagine that translates to a few extra decades in Ireland 😄

[@Solo50plus]

Love this series 👍🏽🥰

[@alexroebuck1]

Really enjoyable and useful, you’re a natural teacher👌

[@SouthFloridaSunshine]

Thank you, so love listening to you teach about permaculture and your insights into using it to steward your land. I am in tropical South Florida in what we call an HOA. I have wanted out but this is my training ground without animals. At least I have the slow part going for me. lol

[@elliavag5349]

What a brilliant video. Thank you 🙏

[@mrsm482]

So incredibly cute all that place... All the best, Daniel. Many thanks for sharing. :)

[@tevicarley5208]

wow, this is great for me to easily explain to an allptment group about the principals. Thank you. I will put the link to this in my blog.

[@katrinwalter5823]

It's such a joy to see you, the land and the animals thrive, fantastic work. Also, jealous of the peaches.

[@Starlight22215]

I planted some hazel trees last year and have a really good harvest. I’m impressed they have grown this quick.

[@justinpeterdebeer]

The land is looking amazing now. This is a great video. So informative.

[@srantoniomatos]

Great video. You are a great speaker and your garden is going great too. Also think going slow, observe, interact, design from patterns to details is important and my favorit too.

[@missglenellen]

Another wonderful piece of inspiration! Thank you for sharing!

[@doylequinn]

Really good video, very informative👌 thank you!☺️

[@Mandysfarm]

I love watching your videos. Always packed full of useful information ❤ your beautiful plot of land is an inspiration for my own plot of land here in Portugal x keep up the good work x

[@juliegolub2602]

Always learn something from you. Thank you ❤️

[@a.p1675]

This was great! Very clear and inspiring. Thx!

[@coraleegrey6620]

You are such an inspiration Daniel , you have the most amazing voice and your property is coming on in leaps and bounds 👍

[@monikacarless_wordwitch]

Probably the best explanations of permaculture I've encountered so far. Your gardens look amazing and the whole property is turning into an incredible example of what can be accomplished on a smallholding.

[@DavidMartin-ym2te]

It's nearly 10 years since we began our 1 acre veg and fruit forest forage garden. Mixed hedge has provided good protection at last and we are nearing completion of polytunnel. Perthshire has very long winters and erratic springs so hoping to extend our season in there. So tempted by your working pigs. Thanks Daniel, we always look forward to your videos. I'm sure your book will be a recommended read, I can't wait!

[@susannegerber7360]

Love your approach!

[@baphithi]

Always such a joy to receive your notifications. Hello from South Africa🇿🇦

[@luminyam6145]

That was so great, thank you.

[@AlexandraAndStuff]

This is like some kind of real life poetry. Such harmony, beauty, wholesome quality. Amazing

[@bradwilliams4919]

Excellent video! The knowledge you have is what my grandparents and ancestors back knew. What we've lost, and you have gained! Ty for sharing!!!

[@Di-eq7wn]

Fantastic explanation. Very inspiring

[@carolbulmer8253]

Good morning, Daniel. Thank you for this very informative episode😊👏👏👏

[@canyonhaverfield2201]

Hey Dan..beautifully filmed & explained..way to go ! Behind you at times, was what appears to be a bike support made of limbs..very smart..I imagine clearly your daily towns- folk swinging by to wheel a deal🎈

[@thekrrib]

Really love the money analogy. Great way to look at it. Thank you for this video. Much easier to understand the principles after watching this. I was wondering if you ever did the second video about building the furniture for the hut? I wanna build a sleep out myself and I am interested in using your vid to lay the concrete etc. Really interested to see the vid about how you did the furniture.

[@marionbartley214]

Loads of valuable information can be used in many aspects. I so appreciated listening to this wealth of information. Even though I don't have much of a garden slowly building upon that. I enjoyed listening to this video Thank you for its content and effort put into it.

[@aprilriordan8202]

Very well explained Daniel , I was surprised and happy about how many principles I already apply to my plot on a much smaller scale though lol I’ll be thinking what I can change and introduce for next years growing season now , any time I’ve tried explaining why I grow in a certain way I get smiles and nods lol you just know they go away thinking “she’s away with the fairies 🧚‍♀️ “ haha . I might be better able to explain now thankyou lol also loved seeing the Ariel view of the gardens I have been waiting all year to get a proper look , you’ve done some fantastic work , it all looks amazing 😁

[@give_peas_a_chance]

Wow, you've done such an excellent job there. Looks absolutely amazing.

[@bethcollier3789]

Your inspiring show of what can be done on the land is like a hint of heaven. Nothing comes without hard work and the loss of those trees while learning about the wind and its effects grows a wisdom that is pure delight. I cannot speak enough about the pleasure watching your videos gives me .... so I wont .... just know that I tune in every time you are on and I learn something every time too. Thank you Daniel.

[@stefanmihalache6816]

You are such an inspiration! Keep on dude

[@paloma2364]

Fantastic information, as usual!

[@hichana1874]

You really were meant for this work. So genuine and informative. Loved watching every minute!

[@eamonnmc1]

I left Balla forty years ago for the US from a small holding. Just saying love what you do!!

[@chocalatekid8024]

Poetic..but gets right to the important details and and great honest experiential tips...worth a lot! Thanks!👍

[@chancellor9000]

Your music in the credits is great as well! Great series on permaculture. I love your insights, tips and learnings. Thank you for sharing.

[@peterfrance7489]

So difficult to go slow and not get a big machine to carve up the few neglected acres I purchased in Jan! Fortunately my restricted purse forbade it. Little ideas form during my daily rounds as I ponder the plot. Last week was the realisation that I could coppice various existing trees. What pleasure. Inspired by your beautiful paths. Must be patient!

[@brassedoff2437]

Very, very good and informative series on permaculture. So interesting to see and learn about the interconnectedness of it all. A beautiful simplicity and ethos about it, so well expressed. Worthy of being required viewing on university courses about the subject.

[@allonesame6467]

Yay! Your first peach! Congratulations!🎉🎉🍾🍾

[@mayethdelatorre6888]

Thank you for all the information.love it

[@dipaksarkar7802]

Described in a in a great way so that anyone can understand , thanks for doing this

[@rhonaforbes7039]

Fantastic information ~ Thank You for sharing this with us and inspiring us to live more with nature and the natural environment ⭐️🌻🙏

[@williamwoods8765]

Hello Rhona

[@richlijacanacua]

Awesome tips for Permaculture methods!

[@nathanhunt5408]

v clear and honest explanation, many thanks!

[@hannaparker5434]

First time viewer your passion comes through in your voice and dialog! Its loetic almost musical listening to you speak and its inspiring, thankyou for this, i for one will be subscribing i really needed this! Thankyou so much!

[@HolyPineCone]

Such skill and deep knowledge of the land. Letting crops go to seed just to feed your chickens is a great idea. I might do that too one day.

[@chantaltulliez8066]

Daniel you are such a great teacher....I really enjoy your clear and concise explanations...thank you so much for sharing...greetings from subtropical Australia

[@lisalu3994]

Fantastic this really gives me hope. Xxx

[@KevinOMalleyisonlysmallreally]

I bought the earth care manual based on the first video and I really respect it. Permaculture ideas remind me a lot of the writings of Abdul Baha.

[@StevieWonders2020]

Beautiful. Thank You

[@diannemonroedlc]

Your voice is soo calming😌🌱

[@tannerfarmstead]

Thanks for all your knowledge and input. Very inspiring

[@kasaundrameade2883]

Thank you. This vedio IS awesome!

[@B30pt87]

Good video. Great principles.