Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The 2026 Online Permaculture Design Certificate with Geoff Lawton is now open: discoverpermaculture.com
In this video, Geoff explains the simple pattern behind fungal and bacterial soils, from forest crops and blueberries to coastal brassicas and desert plants.
This lesson is taken from Geoff’s 2021 Online Permaculture Design Course, which includes weekly Q&A sessions where he answers student questions and helps bring permaculture design principles to life.
Key Takeaways:
- 00:00:05 - 00:00:33: Karen asks how to know whether a crop is suited to fungal- or bacterial-dominated soil.
- 00:00:33 - 00:01:22: Geoff gives the pattern: woody and forest-origin plants usually prefer fungal soils; blueberries and strawberries are tied to acidic forest-edge conditions.
- 00:01:22 - 00:01:45: Coastal and desert-origin crops, such as brassicas, tend to suit alkaline or less fungal conditions.
- 00:01:45 - 00:03:38: Look at the plant’s natural habitat: forest, humidity, shade and woody organic matter point toward fungal dominance.
To support us in creating more videos:
► Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/geofflawtononline
► Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/geofflawtononline
► Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL_r1ELEvAuN0peKUxI0Umw/?sub_confirmation=1
► And most importantly, enjoy your permaculture journey!
About Geoff:
Geoff is a world-renowned permaculture consultant, designer and teacher who has established demonstration sites in many of the world’s major climates. He’s dedicated his life to sharing permaculture design and inspiring people to care for the earth, care for each other and return the surplus.
About Permaculture:
Permaculture weaves land, resources, people and the environment into a single, supportive system. It mirrors how nature works—no waste, no shortcuts, just smart relationships. The tools are wide-ranging: water harvesting, soil building, energy systems, forestry, natural building, aquaculture, appropriate technology, community development and more. Whether you’re on acreage or in an apartment, these principles scale beautifully.
#permaculture #fungalsoil #soilbiology #blueberries #foodforest #soilhealth
The 2026 Online Permaculture Design Certificate with Geoff Lawton is now open: discoverpermaculture.com
In this video, Geoff explains the simple pattern behind fungal and bacterial soils, from forest crops and blueberries to coastal brassicas and desert plants.
This lesson is taken from Geoff’s 2021 Online Permaculture Design Course, which includes weekly Q&A sessions where he answers student questions and helps bring permaculture design principles to life.
Key Takeaways:
- 00:00:05 - 00:00:33: Karen asks how to know whether a crop is suited to fungal- or bacterial-dominated soil.
- 00:00:33 - 00:01:22: Geoff gives the pattern: woody and forest-origin plants usually prefer fungal soils; blueberries and strawberries are tied to acidic forest-edge conditions.
- 00:01:22 - 00:01:45: Coastal and desert-origin crops, such as brassicas, tend to suit alkaline or less fungal conditions.
- 00:01:45 - 00:03:38: Look at the plant’s natural habitat: forest, humidity, shade and woody organic matter point toward fungal dominance.
To support us in creating more videos:
► Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/geofflawtononline
► Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/geofflawtononline
► Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL_r1ELEvAuN0peKUxI0Umw/?sub_confirmation=1
► And most importantly, enjoy your permaculture journey!
About Geoff:
Geoff is a world-renowned permaculture consultant, designer and teacher who has established demonstration sites in many of the world’s major climates. He’s dedicated his life to sharing permaculture design and inspiring people to care for the earth, care for each other and return the surplus.
About Permaculture:
Permaculture weaves land, resources, people and the environment into a single, supportive system. It mirrors how nature works—no waste, no shortcuts, just smart relationships. The tools are wide-ranging: water harvesting, soil building, energy systems, forestry, natural building, aquaculture, appropriate technology, community development and more. Whether you’re on acreage or in an apartment, these principles scale beautifully.
#permaculture #fungalsoil #soilbiology #blueberries #foodforest #soilhealth
