How do you go about installing a permaculture garden in Chicago and Cook County? See 4 by 8 beginners permaculture garden for general guidelines for starting a permaculture garden. That's fine for general guidelines. What are the specifics for Chicago? Where is the best place to go in our area for a soil test, bed framing, top soil, drip lines, a composter, and a rain barrel?
Soil test
Bed framing
Top soil
Drip lines
A source of free information:
Composter
Rain barrel
For Chicago residents it's not so much the best place as the best time. That is to say, the City of Chicago will several times over the course of a year, sell rain barrels and Earth Machine "rat proof" composters for less than half the amount one would spend at a green store. Be sure to bring your drivers license as they will check for residency.