Newsletter — Winter 2026
Welcome to the Winter edition of the Permaculture Tasmania newsletter…
Contents
- POSITIONS VACANT: Membership Officer
- Photo essay on Autumn 2026 events
- Starting a Local Group
- Basic Biosecurity: bringing new animals onto your property
- Searching for Resilience
- My Favourite Things
- Permaculture Goodness in Sri Lanka
- CROWD-FUNDING: empowering women farmers in Deniyaya Sri Lanka
- PERMACULTURE PRINCIPLES FOR BEGINNERS: apply self-regulation and accept feedback
- CENTS: Community Exchange Network Tasmania
- PLANT PROFILE: Cape Gooseberry
- PERMIE PROFILE: from Poland to Nth Tasmania — cultivating health, abundance and community
- Gardening in a time of crisis
- WINTER Gardening Guide
- UPCOMING EVENTS
- OUR NEWEST PARTNERS: It’s Only Natural 2 Preserve, Your Wild Books, The Willow Del
Greetings Permies
Grrr… Tassie winter is off to a roaring start, with cooler temps setting in and parts of the state catching 50mm of rain in one go, and other areas soaking up 156mm the first few days of the month.
As the blustery weather puts a blush in your cheeks, it’s time to think about winter season tasks around the garden. A thick layer of mulch will help keep the soil warm, and start breaking down into rich new soil. Oat, pea, and wheat straw are all abundant this year. Get your cool season veggies in the ground now if you haven’t already: think kale, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, leeks, lettuce, garlic and shallots. I’ve seen some beautiful purple seed potatoes for sale on the socials, too! This is a great time to get some pruning done. Don’t be afraid to cut back up to a third of a tree or shrub. It will set them up for better production and growth next year.
Speaking of production and growth, Permaculture Tas is growing by leaps and bounds! More and more people are turning up at Permaculture events to socialise, learn, share and build community. Thanks to all of you who have made our local crop swaps such a success. Most recently, the event was held at Graham Swinsburg’s lovely Elvenhome Farm in Weegena. The lucky attendees were treated to a farm tour showcasing the best of permaculture design and biodynamic practice. The tables were groaning under bountiful baskets of quinces, apples, lemons, greens, eggs, chillies, jams, leeks, potatoes and so much more. We look forward to seeing you at the next crop swap at the Deloraine community garden if you are in the Meander Valley local group.
Please consider joining or starting a local Permaculture group in your area. In the interesting times we’re all going through, there has never been a better time to be part of a caring, engaged, enthusiastic group of problem-solving Permies. Watch for upcoming events, and please comment with your ideas, needs and suggestions.
Happy Permaculturing!

John Kane
President
Permaculture Tasmania
permaculturetasmania@gmail.com
Got an idea, suggestion or story that you would like us to cover?
Email us @ permaculturetasmania@gmail.com
