Editing Permaculture (section)

=== Zones ===

[[File:Permaculture Zones.svg|thumb|Permaculture zones 0-5]]

Zones intelligently organize design elements in a human environment based on the frequency of human use and plant or animal needs. Frequently manipulated or harvested elements of the design are located close to the house in zones 1 and 2. Manipulated elements located further away are used less frequently. Zones are numbered from 0 to 5 based on positioning.{{sfn|Burnett|2001|p=26}}
; Zone 0
: The house, or home center. Here permaculture principles aim to reduce energy and water needs harnessing natural resources such as sunlight, to create a harmonious, sustainable environment in which to live and work. Zone 0 is an informal designation, not specifically defined in Mollison's book.{{sfn|Burnett|2001|p=26}}
; Zone 1
: The zone nearest to the house, the location for those elements in the system that require frequent attention, or that need to be visited often, such as salad crops, herb plants, soft fruit like [[Strawberry|strawberries]] or [[Raspberry|raspberries]], [[greenhouse]] and [[cold frame]]s, propagation area, [[Vermicompost|worm compost]] bin for kitchen waste, etc. [[Raised bed gardening|Raised beds]] are often used in Zone 1 in [[Urban agriculture|urban areas]].{{sfn|Burnett|2001|p=26}}
; Zone 2
: This area is used for siting [[perennial]] plants that require less frequent maintenance, such as occasional [[weed control]] or [[pruning]], including currant bushes and orchards, pumpkins, sweet potato, etc. Also, a good place for [[beehive]]s, larger-scale [[compost]]ing bins, etc.{{sfn|Burnett|2001|p=26}}
; Zone 3
: The area where main crops are grown, both for domestic use and for trade purposes. After establishment, care and maintenance required are fairly minimal (provided [[mulch]]es and similar things are used), such as watering or weed control maybe once a week.{{sfn|Burnett|2001|p=26}}
; Zone 4
: A semi-wild area, mainly used for [[forage]] and collecting wild plants as well as production of timber for construction or firewood.{{sfn|Burnett|2001|p=26}}
; Zone 5
: A wilderness area. Humans do not intervene in zone 5 apart from observing natural [[ecosystem]]s and cycles. This zone hosts [[Biological pest control|a natural reserve of bacteria, molds, and insects]] that can aid the zones above it.{{sfn|Burnett|2001|p=26}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Permacultuur course |url=http://edepot.wur.nl/115721 |place=[[Netherlands]] |publisher=WUR}}</ref>