> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.liminalvillage.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.liminalvillage.com/protocols/gardening.md). # Gardening Our gardens are living laboratories for regenerative agriculture and permaculture principles. These protocols guide our cultivation practices, water management, and integration of technology with natural systems. ## Overview Gardening at Liminal Village goes beyond food production—it's about healing the soil, supporting biodiversity, and demonstrating sustainable cultivation methods. Whether you're an experienced gardener or learning for the first time, these protocols help us grow together. ## Gardening Protocols ### Water Purification Which water is drinkable and which is not, how outlets are labeled, and the vision for a closed-loop, filtered water system. ### Gardening Maintenance of all the green areas of the property: the yards, olive garden, veggie garden, bio-lake, pond, and more. ### Composting How to manage fresh food waste with the kitchen compost bucket and the burying routine in the upper garden. ### Irrigation An introduction to the whole water system — pond, pump station, and irrigation zones — plus when and how to water. ### FarmBot Our FarmBot automated precision agriculture system, located in the nursery in the olive garden. ## Regenerative Principles Our gardening approach embodies: * **Soil health** - Building living soil through composting and minimal disturbance * **Water wisdom** - Efficient use and conservation of this precious resource * **Biodiversity** - Encouraging diverse plants, insects, and microorganisms * **Closed loops** - Recycling nutrients through composting and mulching * **Observation** - Learning from nature and adapting our practices ## Getting Involved Ways to participate in garden activities: * Daily watering and observation * Composting food scraps * Planting and harvesting * Maintaining irrigation systems * Learning about permaculture * Experimenting with the FarmBot ## Why This Matters Regenerative gardening: * Produces nutritious food for the community * Sequesters carbon and builds soil health * Demonstrates sustainable agriculture * Creates habitat for beneficial species * Connects us with natural cycles * Provides hands-on learning opportunities The garden welcomes all skill levels. Ask experienced gardeners for guidance, and don't hesitate to get your hands dirty! --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.liminalvillage.com/protocols/gardening.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.