Growing with the Seasons

A month-by-month
journey through our
2026 Permaculture Path

Here at Perma Future, our Summer School 2026 isn't just a series of workshops; it’s a journey designed to walk hand-in-hand with the natural calendar.

We believe the best way to
learn permaculture is to live it, season by season.

We've structured our FIVE MODULES to follow the garden's rhythm - from the first spring awakening to the strategic planning of autumn.

Each weekend is an opportunity to learn the right skill at the right time, turning knowledge into a deep, practical understanding.

Whether you have a sprawling garden,
a few pots on a German balcony,
or just a dream,
this path is for you.

Here’s what happens on the land,
month by month.

MODULE 1 | May 9+10:
Setting Up a Thriving Garden
- The Foundation

Spring is the season of potential: in our first module, we lay the groundwork for the entire year.

We won't just plant; we'll learn to think like a permaculture designer: this means understanding your unique microclimate - a crucial skill anywhere, but especially important in the varied regions of Germany, especially in the sandy Brandenburg.
We'll dive into soil preparation and, most importantly, the 'why' and 'how' of intercropping, the secret to a resilient, productive garden.

• For Your Balcony: The principles of planning and intercropping apply perfectly to pots! Learn which herbs and vegetables thrive together in a container (think tomatoes & basil, or strawberries & lettuce) to maximize your small-space harvest.

• Perfect for Germany: We'll discuss how to select plants suited to your specific region and make the most of the growing season.

Included Workshop:
An introduction to the magical world
of Bee Keeping, because a thriving garden
starts with healthy pollinators.

MODULE 2 | June 6+7:
Safe from Weeds
in the Garden Explosion
- Managing Abundance

June arrives, and the garden explodes with life! This is the moment of abundance, but also when weeds and pests can feel overwhelming. This module teaches you to work with nature, not against it. You’ll learn to identify beneficial insects that act as your pest control army, create powerful, natural juicy fertilizers to give plants a boost, and master the art of weeding as a strategic intervention.
We'll also cover how to design and manage a greenhouse to keep growth steady.

• For Your Balcony: Learn to make small-batch liquid fertilizers from comfrey or nettle (yes, you can grow these in pots!) to feed your container plants naturally.

Included Workshop:
The art of Drink Fermentation
Transform your garden bounty into delicious, probiotic-rich kombucha, kefir, or herbal sodas.

MODULE 3 | July 4+5:
The Calm Before the Great Harvest
- Preservation & Plant Health

July is a time of proactive care. While we wait for the main harvest, we focus on plant health and nutrition. This includes safety pruning to improve airflow, creating natural rescue remedies for any signs of stress, and giving plants the right organic boosts - including pests!
We will think about preservation: herbs, beans, and edible flowers are at their peak and need to be harvested and dried now to capture their flavor and goodness for the winter months.

• For Your Balcony: Drying herbs from your balcony pots is incredibly satisfying. We’ll show you simple methods, from air-drying bundles to using a low-temperature oven.

Included Workshop:
Creating your own 
Natural Skin Care products
using herbs and flowers
harvested from the field.

MODULE 4 | August 29+30:
Harvest, Plant, Repeat
- The Cycle Continues

Late summer is a second spring!
We’ll focus on harvesting and saving seeds from your healthiest plants - the ultimate act of self-sufficiency. At the same time, we prepare the beds and start planting for the winter season.
This module is all about maximizing growth, especially for storage crops like pumpkins, and understanding the continuous cycle of a garden.

• For Your Balcony: Seed saving works for many balcony-friendly plants like lettuce, beans, and peas. It’s a fantastic way to create your own personalized, low-cost seed stock for next year.

Included Workshop:
Introduction to Natural Saponification
with a demonstration to learn the basics
of making your own gentle, plant-based soaps.

MODULE 5 | September 5+6:
Prolong Your Season
- From Garden to Market

As summer fades, a skilled gardener knows how to extend the season. We’ll share all the tricks: using cloches, cold frames, and selecting hardy varieties.
A key focus will be on fruit tree pruning - the essential technique for ensuring next year's harvest, but this module offers something truly unique: the experience of a real farm market!

We'll guide you through the entire process of being a farmer: planning what to grow, harvesting for a market, creating an appealing display, interacting with customers, and understanding the simple economics of selling what you grow. It’s the perfect conclusion to the cycle.

Included Workshop: 
An in-depth session on Fruit Tree Pruning,
led by a host teacher,
to set your trees up for success.

We chose this path because nature doesn't teach in a classroom. You can't truly understand seed saving in spring, or planning in autumn. By moving through the season with Benny and MaVie, to build an intuitive knowledge, to see the cause and effect, to understand why you prepare the soil in May, why you prune in September…

This practical journey will transform your relationship with yourself, the others and the natural world, also by seeing how a young family is leading this lifestyle.

Ready to jump in? 

You can join us for a single weekend that speaks to you, or embark on the full journey with our 5-module package. We can't wait to grow with you.

Benny & MaVie