Experiences – Life – Inspiration 🇨🇭🇯🇵

I have been contemplating for over a year now on what we could do with the old factory and unused spaces of my wife’s family here in Gifu.

Firstly, I believe that utilizing the land for growing fruits and vegetables is viable here. Since embarking on my gardening journey last year, I have been drawn to permaculture as a means to improve soil health in a sustainable way.

Additionally, there is the old factory of my wife’s ancestors that I currently only use for storage.

I suggested installing solar panels for two main reasons. Firstly, there is ample roof space on several properties, particularly the old factory. Secondly, rising energy costs make it financially beneficial to generate our own electricity and potentially sell surplus power to local energy companies. This would be a savvy long-term financial strategy, especially considering government subsidies.

Regarding our garden, I have found great joy in working on it since moving to Japan last year. While studying and applying permaculture techniques, I have come to the realization that although having a stone garden to admire is pleasant, there is ample soil space that I would like to use for growing vegetables and herbs in our raised beds. Furthermore, I have concluded that establishing a fruit garden with oranges, berries, plums, yuzu, and other fruits suitable for the Japanese climate would be advantageous. I have noticed that the fruits available in local supermarkets are not only of high quality but also very expensive. Most notably, my wife pointed out a watermelon for sale in Gyomu Super that cost almost 30 Euros! Such prices are exorbitant. While bananas are relatively affordable, I do not want them to be our sole option due to their low price.

Given these considerations, you can see why I am keen to establish a sustainable fruit garden. It simply makes more sense to me.

#Gifu #Permaculture #SustainableLiving #FruitGarden #SolarPower