The designs should consider and incorporate the following criteria:
I. Follow Permaculture Principles
Permaculture is an ecological design system that looks to nature for inspiration when creating productive and resilient design solutions. Your design will be judged on how well you have employed one or more of the following permaculture design principles:
Catch and Store Energy: Design the system to efficiently capture and direct sunlight and water so they are available when and where they are needed.
Integrate Rather than Segregate: Your system should perform more than one function. For example, a trellis system may support melons as well as collect and disperse water.
Obtain a Yield: Design your system to deliver multiple yields. For example, your design will be used for food production, but it can also benefit soil health, provide an inviting habitat for beneficial insects or increase season extension.
For more information regarding Permaculture design principles, we recommend David Holmgren’s book: Permaculture: Principles & Pathways Beyond Sustainability. (Holmgren Design Services, Victoria, AU: 2002). The Permaculture Principles website offers nutshell descriptions of Holmgren's principles.
II. Demonstrate an Understanding of Proper Growing Conditions
Submissions will be judged on their exhibited comprehension of the proper growing conditions of melons and other suggested plants. Melons prefer warm, well-drained soil high in organic matter with a pH of 6.5-7.5. They need good air circulation to minimize disease and pollination to set fruit. A polyculture of plants rather than a monoculture enhances plant heath. Companion plants that help melons flourish include squash, corn, radish, and pumpkins. Pest repellent plants include marigolds, oregano, and nasturtium. Pollinator plans include wildflowers and herbs.
Additionally, as climate change accelerates, we see the impacts in rapid swings in moisture and temperature levels. This year we had a late spring, a cool, dry summer, and sporadic, heavy rainfall. This causes plant stress and affects productivity. Your design will be judged on how well you have considered moderating these impacts.
III. Construction Criteria

Designs must be practical and easily built by the participants and gardeners not versed in construction. They should be durable. The structures should last at least 15 years and be able to support up to 50# in melons and other produce. In addition, it should be able to withstand cold climate conditions or easily disassemble for winter storage.
Material costs should be less than $300. We encourage repurposing or using recycled materials as an added benefit.
IV. Create a Compelling Design Story
The story of your design should explain your thought process as you worked through the challenges of designing your modular-system. It should articulate which permaculture design principles you are experimenting with (from section I), and it should describe which climate moderating mechanisms you are incorporating (from section II).
V. Additional Design Considerations
The following criteria will also be considered as part of the process in determining a winner:
Experimental approaches
Aesthetically pleasing
Local or recycled materials used
Accessibility for harvest