Permaculture Design
& Appropriate Technology
Online Course Bundle!
Permaculture is becoming ever more accessible!
Learn from the Experts with 177 hours of video training in the comfort of your home.
With so much information about Permaculture available today and the growing number of Online Courses, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
Now, with this Permaculture Design and Appropriate Technology course bundle, you can benefit from expert instruction at your own pace and convenience.
You’ll get the SAME EXACT lessons from the in-person courses, but without the cost or time commitment.
Take a Sneak Peek
This short video offers a snapshot of what you’ll learn in the Appropriate Technologies Course!
All the Benefits of an Online Permaculture Course Without the Commitments
It’s not always possible to take 2-4 weeks out of your life for an immersive experience.
Why should your sustainability education suffer?
With exclusive access to these premiere courses, you’ll get to learn what you want, when you want it!
Watch only what you’re interested in, pause to take notes, and rewind each lesson until you have it down.
The choice is yours!
What Will You Learn From This Pair of Online Courses?
The lessons in these Online Permaculture Courses are designed to give you a comprehensive overview of Permaculture Design and Technology while remaining practical enough for you to experiment with right away.
Permaculture Design Course
Move beyond the conventional ways of thinking in isolated systems. Learn how to design integrated landscapes instead!
This course is formatted to teach you the practicalities of permaculture from day one. Even if you already have decades of homesteading experience, this course will show you how to think like a designer.
PDC Outline - (click to expand and see what's covered in the course)
- Day 1 Session 1
The event opens with an introduction from each of the students and event instructors, followed by a discussion about what permaculture is. - Day 1 Session 2
Jumping right into things, this section is a introduction of permaculture terminology and the start of learning about the permaculture design process. - Day 1 Session 3
This session focuses on the student interviews and Tim discusses the results along with the observations about the PDC location. - Day 1 Session 4
The discussion about the site continues and students make observations about what jobs need to be accomplished on site. - Day 2 Session 1
Day 2 starts with a review of day one, by Paul followed by general discussion. Then the group gets out some paper and begin to do some analysis and take some first steps. - Day 2 Session 2
Soil and the lay of the land are the focus of this session. The tools of the trade are introduced and demonstrated. - Day 2 Session 3
This session is about compost. Tim and Ernie hold some discussion time with the class about compost. - Day 2 Session 4
Whether it’s a laser level or an A-frame level, you need to know how to ensure you’re installing your earthworks properly. This session is all about being on the level. - Day 2 Session 5
Ernie gives his introduction along with a detailed introduction to fire, followed by demonstrations and discussion. - Day 3 Session 1
Paul goes over the previous day’s accomplishments and then we jump right into the design process beginning with a base map of the location. - Day 3 Session 2
Making many connections between elements is how permaculture succeeds in cycling nutrients, storing energy and accelerating succession of the land. - Day 3 Session 3
The group goes through a connection exercise then talk about climate, land forms, precipitation, radiation and wind. - Day 3 Session 4
Now it’s time to review the designs from the different groups, along with a talk about the use of principles during the design process. - Day 4 Session 1
Paul and Tim review day 3 then start the “You Are Dead” exercise. - Day 4 Session 2
This section focuses on quality of life, forms of production, resource bases and a discussion about what’s happening in the course so far. - Day 4 Session 3
This discussion is an introduction to seven test guidelines for general holistic decision making - Day 4 Session 4
The students are given their maps and info for their student projects. - Day 5 Session 1
Paul discusses humanure and then the students go out to their sites to begin the observation and data collection process for beginning their designs. - Day 5 Session 2
This section begins with Cliff discussing how the plots are laid out and finishes with the processing of a roadkill deer. - Day 5 Session 3
The students discuss timelines and have discussions about the process. This is followed by talks about climate, land form, wind, precipitation, legal and social climates. - Day 5 Session 4
The map drawing process begins and the students get deep into their paper, data and tools. - Day 6 Session 1
Paul talks about going without shampoo, human psychology, community and food. Zak is introduced and then he talks to the students about how he’ll be guiding this portion of the course. - Day 6 Session 2
The class begins a review of cases Zak has worked on with discussion focused on items in the designs. - Day 6 Session 3
Zak begins by talking about exercise then the groups present what they are doing and the designs are tested. - Day 6 Session 4
Zak talk about an intuitive manifestation with nature and the start of project “Equator Mindo” leading to a discussion about foundations. - Day 8 Session 1
Paul talk about ponds then the discussion goes on to energy, trees and wind, with comments by Tim along the way. - Day 8 Session 2
The groups assess and observe an area finding little details that can improve their plans and designs. - Day 8 Session 3
This section is about soil, microbial life, chemistry, plant nutrition and deficiencies. Included are discussions about many other aspects of soil. - Day 8 Session 5
Looking at the Woodleaf forest garden, ecosystem strategies and long term soil fertility, followed by Q and A. - Day 9 Session 1
Paul talk about infrastructure and the work from the previous day then the class discusses soil organic matter, living mulches and cover crops with comments from Helen and Ernie. - Day 9 Session 2
The class learns about mulch, the nitrogen cycle and then do some comparisons of different farms as case studies. - Day 9 Session 3
Helen talks about her property, growing vegetables and things to think about while looking at a site. The class takes a walk to observe different plants, structures and soils. - Day 9 Session 5
Who am I on this land? That’s a great question. Then the class talks about animals, wild and domestic, along with more talk about weeds and soils. - Day 10 Session 1
This session focuses on the relationship between animals and their human caretakers. - Day 10 Session 2
Continuing the discussion about animals, including fencing, purchasing and culling them. - Day 10 Session 3
Bees are an integral part of an ecosystem. This session is an in depth introduction to bees. - Day 10 Session 4
This is an introduction to butchering rabbits, with demonstrations of the entire process. - Day 10 Session 5
Paul talks about expectations for presentations and then a lot of random Q and A, before moving on to talk about chickens in depth. - Day 11 Session 1
Paul talks about the days tasks, appropriate technology, purpose and means. Tim does a wrap up of things so far. - Day 11 Session 2
The students talk about their interests and discussion about many topics ensues. Building design basics, mechanical movement, uses for solar power and water purification are all discussed. - Day 11 Session 3
In this section the class learns about composting toilets, grey water, tiny houses and building strategies. - Day 11 Session 5
The talk in this section is all about chickens including strategies for feed, fencing, cats, winter needs and then a Q and A. The discussion then goes on to many other homestead animals such as pigs, horses, fish and shrimp. - Day 12 Session 1
After the days intro from Paul, the class begins to learn about bioregions and communities. - Day 12 Session 2
This session is about intentional communities with topics such as legal strategies, ethics, trust and a list of good books on the topic. - Day 13 Session 1 and Session 2
Paul introduces Tom then the class learns about then play many different games including memory, crazy flower and slap the flower. Then they go on a walk and learn about identifying plants.Want to make big money doing permaculture? Case studies and reviews of many permaculture practitioners are explored in this session. - Day 12 Session 5
The business side of permaculture includes residual incomes, passive income, grants, nonprofits, contractors employees. - Day 13 Session 1 and Session 2
Paul introduces Tom then the class learns about then play many different games including memory, crazy flower and slap the flower. Then they go on a walk and learn about identifying plants. - Day 13 Session 3
The class is introduced to Green University then talk about living homes, fire and heating, finding land and learning about food plants and animals. - Day 14 Session 1
Paul talk about the course and announces the talent show and Tim gives an introduction to the Appropriate Technology Course. - Day 14 Session 4
The class participants present their work and the whole group discusses and makes notes. - Day 14 Session 5
Tim introduces the talent show and the students are presented with their certificates after their performance. Tim finishes up the show with a song.
Appropriate Technologies Course
This low-tech skills course will help you take your newfound permaculture skills to the next level by incorporating them with science & engineering principles. You’ll learn the thought process and practical steps for building systems that help you live both sustainably and comfortably.
Rocket Oven
Solar Food Dehydrator
Easy Bake Coffin
Biosand Filter
Hay Box Cooker
Rocket Water Heater
Johnson-Style Air Well
Jumpstart Your Launch into Permaculture with Over 95% Savings
Attending both 14-day courses at Wheaton Labs is an unforgettable experience, but it will cost you close to $2,500. In contrast, these video courses will provide you with the same expert instruction and educational content for just a fraction of the price.
Online PDC
Online Permaculture Design Course
$50
- Permaculture Design Course
- Open Discussion with Viewers
- 100 Hours of Showtime
Package
PDC and ATC all-in-one.
$65
- Permaculture Design Course
- Appropriate Technology Course
- Open Discussion with Viewers
- 177 Hours of Showtime
ATC
Appropriate Technology Course
$50
- Appropriate Technology Course
- Open Discussion with Viewers
- 77 Hours of Showtime
Meet Your Instructors
These Permaculture Design and Appropriate Technologies courses bring together some of the biggest names in the industry.
Through their variety of backgrounds and personal expertise, you’ll get a comprehensive education in the principles and practicalities of sustainable living.
Through their variety of backgrounds and personal expertise, you’ll get a comprehensive education in the principles and practicalities of sustainable living.
Tim Barker
The primary instructor for the PDC is Tim Barker. Once a diesel fitter mechanic, Tim now spends his time as a semi-professional pyromaniac and mad scientist teaching people how to burn stuff and make really cool machines for low carbon living.
He’s previously worked as farm manager at the Permaculture Research Institute of Australia. He’s also worked as a power station operator/mechanic, adventure tour guide and professional turtle wrestler. His rocket stove powered biochar-making hot water heaters, ovens, and cookers reflect his passion for elegant yet durable combustion technologies. Other projects include gravity-powered water pumps, solar-powered cookers & dryers, pedal-powered washing machines, cargo-bikes, hovercraft, and aquaponics, to name a few.
He brings practical, hands-on experience teaching some truly fascinating projects.
Guest Instructors for our PDC Online Course
Paul Wheaton
Paul Wheaton, the bad boy of Permaculture, was proclaimed by Geoff Lawton in 2012 the Duke of Permaculture. He is the creator of two on-line communities. One is about Permaculture, permies.com, and one is about software engineering, CodeRanch.com.
He is a powerful advocate of Sepp Holzer’s techniques, which a recent study showed to have the ability to feed 21 billion people without the use of petroleum or irrigation. He also promotes the use of hügelkultur, which sequesters carbon and eliminates the need for irrigation, and polycultures, which reduces the need for pest control and improves the health of plants. He wrote several articles about lawn care, raising chickens, cast iron, and diatomaceous earth. Paul regularly uploads permaculture videos and permaculture podcasts.
Thomas is an author, natural builder, educator, and conservationist. He has authored multiple books: Foraging the Mountain West, Botany in a Day, Shanleya’s Quest and numerous others about plant identification, wilderness survival, and sustainable living. He has multiple videos: Building a Slipform Stone House from the Bottom Up, How to Make a Grass Rope, Build Your own Masonry Fireplace – Masonry Heater – Masonry Stove, and many more. Thomas regularly teaches classes on plant identification, primitive skills and natural building. He is founder/director of Green University, LLC in Pony, Montana.
Thomas J. Elpel
Helen Atthowe
Helen has an MS in Horticulture and Agricultural Ecology from Rutgers University; worked at Rutgers in tree fruit IPM; studied natural farming with Masanobu Fukoka; interned at The Land Institute in Kansas; taught a Master Gardener course in Montana for 15 years while she was Missoula County extension agent; owned and operated Biodesign organic vegetable farm in Montana (1993-2010); consulted for a 2000 acre organic vegetable farm (2011); helped run her husband’s Woodleaf Farm organic orchard in northern California 2012-2015; worked for Oregon State University Horticulture Department; and is now farming a 211 acre farm in eastern Oregon with her husband, where they have a mixed fruit and hazelnut orchard, small grain and dry bean production, vegetable gardens, high tunnels, and greenhouse.
Ernie is a botanist, educator, writer, researcher, rocket mass heater innovator, natural builder, and boat aficionado. He served in the merchant marine, Navy, and fisheries, and has tremendous experience with hydraulic and hot water systems. His family’s sea time stretches back “since Noah was a babe,” all over the 2/3 of our planet from which quitters can’t walk home. Ernie is semi-retired due to a disabling injury, but still makes time for the occasional workshop or fascinating prototype project. He co-authored multiple books with his wife, Erica, and he is featured in many videos, documentaries and podcasts. Ernie is a wealth of knowledge; there are not many topics on which he does not have an opinion.
Ernie Wisner
Erica Wisner
Erica is a science and art educator, curriculum developer, writer, illustrator, researcher, and rocket mass heater innovator. She loves making things from scratch – anything from blueberry scones to the oven itself. Erica is a skilled educator and project coordinator, with over 20 years of experience building teamwork and leading hands-on learning. Her and Ernie have taught numerous workshops on natural building and rocket mass heaters. Erica has written multiple books on rocket mass heaters, fire making, and survival shelters. She is featured in many videos, documentaries, and podcasts on rocket mass heaters.
Jacqueline is a biodynamic farmer, author, and natural beekeeper. She is known for her gentle and understanding ways with bees. She appears in the honeybee documentary, Queen of the Sun and was hired by the USDA to work with rural farmers and beekeepers in the Dominican Republic, using historic methods of respectful beekeeping. She lives on a farm in Washington state with her husband, Joseph, where they have orchards, gardens, two big greenhouses, a small forest, rich pastures and plenty of flowering bee forage. Jacqueline also has lots of experience raising livestock: cows, goats, chickens for laying and broilers, turkeys, and horses. She has two websites: SpiritBee.com and friendlyhaven.com.
Jacqueline Freeman
Zach Weiss
Zach is a Protégé of legendary Austrian farmer, Sepp Holzer and the first person to earn Holzer Practitioner Certification outside of the Krameterhof training program. Blending a unique combination of systems thinking, empathy, and awareness, Zach uses an action-oriented process to improve human relationships with earth. Enhancing ecosystems and harvesting natural productivity over time is the ultimate goal – with high initial input, high yield systems that will last until the next ice age.
Zach currently has projects in 11 nations on 4 continents, spanning a wide range of climates, contexts, land-forms and ecosystems. Having experience with a wide range of techniques and systems (from natural building, to greenhouses, to carpentry, to watershed restoration), Zach also graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Ecology. He has two websites elementalecosystems.com and holzerpermaculture.us
Davin is an architect, artist, and entrepreneur. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and has 16 years of drafting experience. Davin has established two community gardens in Georgetown, Texas and he is the first to map Wheaton Labs. Davin practices architecture as a one-man firm and will soon be a small restaurant chain partner. He is the future illustrator of Paul’s book on “Wofatis”.
Davin Hoyt
About Wheaton Labs
Taught within the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains, the Permaculture Design & Appropriate Technology courses take place at Wheaton Labs, an eco-friendly learning facility in the Missoula area of Montana.
These PDCs (Permaculture Design Courses) take place over two consecutive two-week sessions throughout the year, regularly providing a life-changing experience for all involved. Many students find these courses to be the most intense learning experience of their lives and an incredible way to bond with others who are passionate about permaculture and sustainability.