[1] Eric Toensmeier, author of [2] Perennial Vegetables: From Artichokes to Zuiki Taro, A Gardener’s Guide to Over 100 Delicious, Easy-to-Grow Edibles, lives on an average house-lot in Holyoke, Massachusetts. The climate in this part of the world is cold, often wet, and seldom enjoys three days of sunshine in a row. It is not an ideal growing climate by any stretch of the imagination. Yet, on a single evening stroll through his small backyard, Eric can collect a full meal for his household.

Using the polyculture techniques he lays out in his book, Eric has transformed what was once a construction dirt lot into a veritable farmers market of organically grown fruits, nuts, and vegetables. In the video below, he explains the transformation techniques and process. This is the first video in a series where Eric takes us on a tour of his incredible home food-production system.