It’s the end of July in my permaculture gardening in Zone 6a adventure, and the season is teaching me more than I expected. I wrote some plans during winter in my blog post Permaculture Gardening Tips for Zone 6a: My Journey. Some plants are thriving, others didn’t show up at all—but compost continues to be the quiet hero behind the scenes. If you’re gardening in a similar climate, here’s what’s working (and what I’m rethinking) right now.
1. Composting: Quietly Changing Everything
Of all the things I’ve tried, composting is having the biggest impact. The areas where I’ve added compost are greener, stronger, and more resilient—especially during dry spells. The plants just look happier. I wrote about my new compost in my previous blog Spring in the Garden (and Mostly Nothing Else), where I created the pile out of karis net.
Tip: Keep it simple—add what you have, turn it when you remember, and trust the process.
2. Tomato + Basil: A Solid Duo
This combo continues to impress. Both plants are healthy and productive. Basil may help repel pests, but it also just thrives in the same sunny, well-fed space as the tomatoes. A great match for any permaculture gardening in Zone 6a.
3. Dill + Brussels Sprouts: A Miss (For Now)
I wanted to test this pairing, but the dill never sprouted in the Brussels sprouts bed. Maybe it was timing, maybe soil moisture. I’ll try again next season, but no real conclusions yet.
4. Carrots + Onions: Growing Strong
Both crops are doing well, but I suspect it’s more about compost and less about companion planting. It’s a reminder that good soil comes first—pairings can only enhance what’s already working.
5. Takeaway: Focus on Soil First
This season confirms what permaculture gardening in Zone 6a is really about: building healthy soil. Companion planting is fun to experiment with, but nothing beats a well-fed garden bed full of life and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Not everything has to go perfectly to be a good growing season. I’ve learned a lot, and I’m already thinking ahead to fall plantings and how to expand my compost system.
Are you also doing permaculture gardening in Zone 6a (or a similar zone)?
Share your wins, fails, and experiments in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s working in your garden!
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