A microclimate is an area that due to its situation in the landscape may be warmer or colder, drier or wetter than the rest of the property. It is a play of the elements: air, sun, water, earth and space. By learning the theory behind microclimates, observing natural microclimates and creating microclimates, you can grow plants that are normally tender in your area and place plants in areas of the garden that are best adapted to their needs. Microclimate theory is equally useful when planning forest gardens.

Permaculture is an approach to agriculture that is based on designing gardens, farms and settlements to meet the needs of the earth and humans in the long term.

Originally a melding of the words permanent and agriculture, permaculture has now expanded to signify permanent culture. The ideals and guidelines of permaculture are not only useful for creating a sustainable food supply, but can also be applied to all aspects of creating a sustainable culture, such as housing, urban planning, economics, and interpersonal relationships.

On December 4th, 2010, the Veganic Agriculture Network will have a kiosk in Montreal for the event Grande Rencontre Vege / Big Veggie Gathering.

This online video from Planet Earth introduces some basic concepts of veganic agriculture while visiting a veganic education centre in New Zealand. Shangri-La is an intentional community with veganic gardens and orchards that are run by volunteers.

In an online episode of Planet Earth, a veganic farmer from Austria shows his fields and discusses his plant-based growing methods. Farmer Helmut provides veganic produce to over 100 families, and his fertilization is based on feeding the microorganisms with straw and grass cuttings.

Green manures are grown in order to be cut down and buried. They can act as a source of fertilizer, bringing nitrogen and biomass to the soil, while also improving soil structure and retaining existing soil nutrients.

Mulches are materials that cover the ground, much like layers of leaves on the forest floor. Mulches improve water retention, reduce erosion, moderate the temperature of the soil, reduce competition from weeds, and bring added nutrients to the soil while also helping to retain existing nutrients.