Zach Loeks

Member since Jan. 2020

Zach Loeks is an educator, designer and grower who specializes in Edible Ecosystem Design through landscaping and education. He consults widely with homes, farms, colleges, schools and municipalities across Canada and the United States, and through many biomes from Guatemala and South Africa to the Yukon and Mongolia. Zach manages an award-winning farm with diversified food forest products, heirloom garlic and a hardy tree nursery. His innovations have won three provincial awards and are featured in his first book: The Permaculture Market Garden. Zach is the director of the Ecosystem Solution Institute, which is dedicated to the education, propagation and inspiration of ecosystem solutions for land use transition. The Institute oversees pathbreaking education sites, including an edible botanical garden near Ottawa, Ontario and a suburban food forest in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Zach is passionate about how small actions—strategically linked—can make big change. His inspiring and empowering vision is presented in his latest book: The Edible Ecosystem Solution.

Cover Crops Can Protect & Build Healthy SoilNovember 20, 2020

Cover crops offer a variety of benefits during different parts of the year, from improving soil health to suppressing weeds and more.

Ecosystem Gardening Yields Big BenefitsNovember 6, 2020

Converting unused or underutilized land to an edible ecosystem addresses food security issues, and it brings environmental advantages as well!

6 Ways To Increase Community Food Security For WinterOctober 23, 2020

When winter arrives and gardens stop producing, community food security can take a hit. Here are six ways to store produce for the cold months.

The Value Of The Drive Shed Barn DesignOctober 9, 2020

A long barn with multiple bays, the drive shed outbuilding design provides accessibility, weather protection and a wealth of other benefits.

Grow Some Heirloom Crops In Your Permaculture GardenSeptember 25, 2020

Heirloom crops are flavorful, appealing and can improve crop resilience, income opportunities, and community health and wellness. So why not grow a few?

3 Permaculture Crops To Grow In A First-Year GardenSeptember 11, 2020

If you want to start a permaculture garden without using chemicals or tilling, look to these three crops to start things off in your first-year garden.

9 Tips For An Efficient, Bountiful Fall Crop HarvestAugust 28, 2020

When the weather cools and frost is right around the corner, it’s time to harvest your garden for winter storage. Here are nine tips for a successful crop harvest.