Using Permanent Beds and Polyculture Plantings in the Garden and the Forest Farm

For sustainable soil health from design to care through the seasons

Visit Gemmo Forest and the Well -Seeded Gardens within the city limits of Keene, NH  to see a new paradigm in growing emerge. 

The Gemmo Forest is a 12.5-acre permaculture laboratory, growing plants, trees, and shrubs for not only their medicinal benefits but also for the vitality and well-being of all who interact with it. Through intentional experimentation, we model accessible practices that invite everyone to engage in new and meaningful ways with this land we all share.

In its fourth growing season the Gemmo Forest integrates cultivated permanent no till beds of polyculture plantings into the wildscape. Some of the experiments in which we are actively engaged include transitioning fields into beds with minimal soil disturbances, an intentionally planted feathered edge serving dual purposes as a protected wildlife corridor and production of trees and shrubs of medicinal value, a tea garden of hugelkultur beds, and an fruit orchard guild.

Well-Seeded Gardens, the adjoining .33 acre homestead field of the Hubele family is a young model for urban micro-farming. What began as six raised beds in the summer of 2023 with a few plant sale starts is now home to 90 permanent beds, a young fruit orchard, and 18 x 40 sq foot high tunnel all within the Keene city limits. 100% no till the soil health is supported by onsite composting, intensive intercropping and support planting as well as late summer and fall cover crops. On a corner lot with high viability the Hubele's project serves as an accessible model for the Gemmo Forest's More Food Less Lawns initiative.  

Come and reflect on your connection to land, nature, and your role in ushering in a kinder and gentler future for growing. 

Wear shoes appropriate for walking in forested and garden land.