There are a few basic principles that need to be applied when setting up a natural garden/farming system. These include:

• Diversity
• Layering
• Succession
• Plant selection
• Habitat
• Mulch
• Water sinks

If the above principles are applied, they will facilitate the development of the following, which are
necessary for the success of the system:

• Biotic relationships
• Nutrient cycles
• Soil structure and water-holding capacity
• The water cycle and equilibrium