Small balconies, big impact: permaculture in urban food systems

In the Budapest Living Lab, several real-life interventions are linked to permaculture. One of these is a permaculture balcony training programme developed for residents living in big blocks of flats, who typically have no access to private green areas. But their tiny balcony can become a productive ecosystem, supporting food production and enhancing biodiversity. To shed light on permaculture’s relevance for urban food system transformation, we spoke with István Lőrinczi, the expert leading the balcony-gardening intervention.

What is permaculture?

Permaculture is not just a method of gardening. Bill Mollison, the developer of the permaculture approach, defined it as “a design system for creating sustainable human environments”. In our training courses, we don't teach you how to plant tomato seeds or how often to water them. We teach you how to design a system in which you can grow healthy tomatoes. Here, the term “healthy” refers not only to you, but also to all the living things connected to your tomatoes and to you: from soil microbes to bumblebees.

How does permaculture differ from general organic gardening methods?

We consider all elements of the given environment during the planning process. It's not just about planning where the tomatoes will thrive, but also the area's topography and microclimate. During the planning process, we think about how our activities will affect the local wildlife and how to keep potential pests away from the tomatoes without using chemicals.

So permaculture isn't for everyone?

Permaculture is for everyone, but you need to acquire the necessary knowledge. It is important to start with observations and document them. Once you have learned the approach, you can start creating your own permaculture environment. Permaculture imitates the models and patterns that have worked well in nature for thousands of years. It is based on three core principles formulated in the 1970s: earth care, people care, and fair share.

What significance can permaculture have for the present and future of cities?

The permaculture approach can be used anywhere. I have created a 6-square-metre growing area on my balcony where I grow almost 80 different types of plants. An increasing proportion of the world's population is living in cities. All of these people produce a lot of waste. If green waste were reused, it could supply surrounding farms with compost, one of the most important sources of nutrients for arable land. With careful planning, a 100 m² garden could provide a family of four with enough vegetables for a whole year. I am also considering how we could use water differently by applying the principles of permaculture, which would help to solve the problem of flash flooding that cities regularly experience. We could also make use of roofs, façades and walls with plants to influence energy consumption and the heat island effect. It is crucial that this knowledge is incorporated into the curriculum of educational institutions.

Why would you recommend this method for community gardens?

Permaculture takes a holistic approach to gardening. Permaculture community gardens almost certainly have greater biodiversity because we create habitats, not just beds. We observe nature and imitate it. In a permaculture garden, we give each element multiple functions by design.

Given that urban food systems need to be transformed, what role can permaculture play?

Permaculture’s emphasis on diversity increases stability and also food security, because chemicals are not used. Diversity attracts insects, birds and bats that keep pests under control naturally, and the food supply becomes more varied. One of the basic principles of permaculture is fair share: if I have a surplus, I give it to someone who needs it. Finally, community building is one of the most important effects of permaculture and would have a very positive impact on urban communities.

What did the balcony gardening courses in Budapest show?

A very positive change in participants’ attitudes, even among people over the age of 70. Residents developed a strong sense of responsibility, for example when using worm composters. New municipal permaculture courses have since been launched, with no shortage of applicants, demonstrating growing interest among both residents and municipalities.

This blog was written by Éva Bánsági and Vanda Pózner, researchers of the Budapest Living Lab and ESSRG.

Publishing date: 15 January 2026