Tag: permaculture

Try These 13 Natural Mulches & Ditch the Dyed Bark and Rubber! – Garden Therapy

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Don’t even think about getting that bright red mulch when there are so many better, more inexpensive organic materials you can use instead! Let me explain natural mulch and the different materials you can use to mulch the garden.

Mulch is a word you hear often in the gardening space. We use it a lot, from suppressing weeds to conserving moisture to making the top layer of our garden look good.

What many people think of when they picture mulch is the classic bits of wood shavings and pieces. It’s often a nice natural cedar that smells heavenly or…heaven forbid…dyed red.

But this is really only one kind of mulch. And it’s one of the more expensive ones!

Today, I want to talk to you all about the natural mulches we can use in our garden and why they’re a much better option than the stuff you buy at the landscape supply store.

Natural mulch is one of the many practices you’ll find in my book, The Regenerative Garden. If you’re looking for more ideas on how to flip the traditional garden up on its head in lieu of more sustainable spaces, be sure to check it out!

What is Natural Mulch?

Mulch sits on top of the soil and acts as a protective layer of organic material. While most think of wood for mulch, there are many more natural materials you can use as mulch (I’ll get into that shortly!).

Like I said, many people use unnatural mulches like plastic, shredded tires, or dyed bark. These can leech contaminants into your garden and just aren’t worth it when there are so many other natural materials that you can use as a mulch.

I joke about dyed mulch all the time. I think it’s one of the worst things to add to a garden! I see it as lawful evil, where it’s popular and accepted but really not a good idea for the environment.

Meanwhile, my method of chop and drop mulching is chaotic good. If I see plant material, I scoop it up and put it in the garden.

Some people will have issues with this. I remember the realtor taking one look at my last house and all the plant material in the garden beds and suggesting I top it off with soil instead.

But I always ask, do you like the forest? Because that is what we’re going for. You can have a neat and tidy look that models a living room or a natural space that mimics our forests.

Mulches are incredibly popular with permaculturalists because of their regenerative properties for soil.

Benefits of Natural Mulch

Mulch has SO many benefits, many of which you might not get if you use store-bought stuff instead of what’s already in your garden.

Mulch is a soil insulator that works year-round. It helps to keep the soil temperature more consistent, meaning it can help protect the base of plants, roots, and bulbs in the winter months but also keep things cooler during the hot summer days.

It also helps to conserve moisture, which is very helpful for full sun areas. It reduces your need to add supplemental water all the time by preventing surface evaporation.

If you have a weed problem, you can also apply a layer of mulch to prevent the seeds from getting light and germinating.

Finally, it will decompose slowly and add nutrients back into your soil. I never add any fertilizer to my garden beds, allowing nothing but my layers of mulch and compost to go back in and feed the soil.

A natural forest floor is covered in mulch.

What to Use as Natural Mulch

So, what can you actually use from your garden that will work as a natural mulch? I’ve got plenty of ideas for you, and if you still want the neat and tidy look, some of these can still give you that. Try one of these thirteen natural materials that make wonderful mulches.

Compost

Compost is what I use the most in my garden, and it appears like fresh, dark soil. I like to add about two inches of compost in the spring before the growing season really begins. The spring rain will also help water the microorganisms into the soil below.

Compost is garden gold for your garden.

Leaf Mould

Never, ever bag your leaves in plastic bags and send it to the dump. Instead, use the leaf mould of partially decomposed or chopped leaves as mulch. It breaks down quite quickly and works wonderfully in vegetable gardens.

This is best done in the fall when you can pile your dried leaves, wait a few weeks for them to begin composting, and then chop them up with a shear or a lawn mower to sprinkle over your garden bed.

Only use leaves free from pests and disease.

Wood Chips

Wood chips are very popular for those who want a neat and tidy look. Just PLEASE don’t buy the dyed stuff as it’s not good for your garden and soil.

Wood chips will last for multiple seasons and are often inexpensive and readily available when bought from an arborist or local source. As they slowly break down, they feed beneficial fungi and create a strong mycelium layer.

Rocks

Another popular tidy option is to use decorative rocks such as river stones, gravel, or volcanic rock. Of course, they won’t decompose. They do not add beneficial microbes or bacteria but will prevent water loss.

Keep in mind that it will absorb and hold heat and cold. A layer of cardboard under the rocks can help.

Pine Straw/Conifer Needles

Take a page of out woodland gardens and allow the cones and needles from your evergreens to remain where they fall. You can also spread it to neighbouring gardening beds.

Woodland perennials love this mulch.

Straw

Many rural homesteads will use straw, considering how readily available it is. Just avoid hay, as it can contain weed seeds!

It’s beneficial to apply straw in the fall as an insulator and remove it in the spring, followed by a new layer of compost.

Use straw to create a strong layer of winter protection for annual crops, tender perennials, trees, and shrubs.

Cardboard

People love using cardboard since it’s free, and we all have lots of it. Use cardboard as winter protection for garden beds in rainy areas to prevent nutrients from leaching from the soil. Make sure to remove the cardboard sheets in the spring and compost them.

You can use cardboard at other times of the year; just make sure to break it into small pieces so the soil still gets some airflow.

Carboard acts as a carbon source.

Grass Clippings

Your lawn would love it if you left the grass clippings after moving. They will slowly break down and create a soil-protecting mulch that will feed the grass’s roots. Letting your grass flower can also help to reseed your lawn!

If you’re mowing, you might as well feed the lawn with the grass clippings.

Living Mulch

Groundcovers can provide many of the same benefits of other organic material. Plant low-growing perennial and native plants no higher than 12 inches. Ideally, ensure they are hardy enough to be lightly tread upon so you still have access to the plants in the garden.

Groundcovers look wonderful in gardening beds that aren’t often disrupted.

Chop and Drop

This is another one of my favourite natural mulch methods. Whenever you cut back plant material, you leave it on the soil surface to decompose in place.

The leaves, stems, and flower heads will then feed the roots of their own kind, mimicking how they fertilize the soil in nature. Just avoid plants that have gone to seed, unless you intend for those seeds to grow.

In the fall, top your chop and drop with leaf mould and compost for a strong base to decompose come spring.

Snow

Many won’t consider snow mulch, but it is extremely useful for protecting the soil temperature and plant roots in cold climates. There’s no need to move snow; just allow it to fall and sit on your garden beds on a snowy day.

Snow protects garden beds from dips in temperature.

Aquatic Plants

If you have a water garden environment, you can add your vigorous or even invasive aquatic plants to dry land gardens. Because the conditions are too dry, they will decompose and protect the soil.

Thin overgrown aquatic plants and use them as mulch on dry land.

Seaweed

If you have a seaside garden, seaweed works well as a mulch where the plants can handle salt spray and salt accumulation in the soil. Forage for seaweed sustainably, and only take what you need from the beach rather than in the ocean. Chop it or run it over with a mower before applying it to the garden.

Those are some great natural mulch ideas to try! In the comments below, let me know which of them you use in your garden or are planning to use.

More Ways to Try Regenerative Gardening

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Stephanie Rose

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June 17, 2024
Maximize Your Space and Effort With a Layered Garden – Garden Therapy
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At some point, annual veggies took over the popularity contest. We’re so used to seeing neat rows of carrots, cucumbers, beans, and tomatoes that we forget there are other more beneficial ways for the home gardener to grow food. Let me introduce the layered garden to you!

I’m in the midst of planning my next garden at my new house, and I’m thinking big picture. The yard was neglected and minimal, so I’m starting with a pretty well-blank canvas.

I’ll be designing a food forest, which takes some careful planning and a few years of patience. I have an urban garden and a small yard, but even those with a patio garden can employ these more sustainable, regenerative practices.

Christina Chung’s book, The Layered Edible Garden, is based on a concept similar to food forests. Rooted in permaculture, it’s all about maximizing your space with a layered garden based on edible perennials.

These practices are rooted in the same values and energy, so I’m thrilled to share Christina’s approach to the edible garden with you.

Quotes reprinted with permission from The Layered Edible Garden by Christina Chung © 2024. Published by Cool Springs Press.

What is a Layered Garden?

There are many kinds of layered gardens. They are often well-planned and optimize space by combining plants with different heights.

Christina’s layered gardening practice follows a more natural system that’s less intensive on time, energy, and resources. It tries to fill in all the empty spaces in the garden that weeds might otherwise overtake.

“Traditional gardening often means fighting against nature taking over the space and turning it back into the thickly planted, layered space it would be without human intervention,” says Christina.

But a layered garden is also curated. This means it still produces plenty of food similar to traditional veggie gardens. However, it encourages you to think beyond the traditional veggies and focus more on edible perennials.

It follows permaculture practices and sounds very similar to my beloved food forest practice. But Christina’s approach is “more flexible” and perhaps more focused on gardens with small spaces.

You can also include medicinal or herbal plants as well as edible ones.

Why Layered Gardens Are the Way to Go

One of the biggest draws of a layered garden is that it optimizes your space. Many gardeners (myself included) are always looking for more gardening space. But many of us don’t consider the vertical spaces and the gaps. Just think how much you could plant under a tree or shrub!

“Filling in those missing layers creates so much more interest and beauty, and each one offers a chance to add something edible to the mix,” says Christina. “Each added layer can help you get more out of your existing garden space.”

Layered gardening is also great for your local wildlife. Planting a wider range of plants and less common species may attract more pollinators and beneficial bugs. They even act as bonus natural pest control.

One of the most immediate benefits you’ll notice is how much more low-maintenance layered gardening is. A fuller garden means less weeding, which is also great for soil health as it minimizes soil disturbances.

These gardens also rely on perennials more, requiring less seed starting and babying tender young annuals. You will even water less as you rely on perennials more.

Who Should Plant a Layered Garden?

I highly recommend layered gardens for those in an urban setting, as they’re great for those with limited space. It’s just one of the best ways to grow more food in a small space.

But absolutely anyone and any space can practice layered gardening.

It’s great for food gardeners and cooks but will also work for those who want a beautiful space. You can also have a most ornamental layered garden with food options. Or use this method to create a more lush space and minimize empty space.

“This is also a gardening style if you want to be creative and build a garden space that doesn’t look like everyone else’s in your neighbourhood,” says Christina. “Landscapes often take on a depressing sameness, with each garden featuring the same ten plants that are cheaply available at every nursery and big-box store.”

Rather than having distinct rules and practices, layered gardening is more of an overall approach. This means that anyone can benefit and grow from having a layered garden.

How to Start a Layered Garden

The first mindset shift of a layered garden is focusing more on perennials. These will naturally fill in the space with larger trees and shrubs and, as mentioned, require significantly less maintenance and resources.

Since annuals only grow in one season, they require significantly more work. “Supporting all of that quick growth means annuals need more resources,” says Christina. “That means more fertilizer, more water, and richer soil to grow in.”

Perennials also provide year-round interest, have longer harvest seasons, and support the local ecosystem. Yes, perennials will take several years to establish themselves and produce food. But down the line, it’s so little work.

When starting your layered garden, start small and work your way up. Don’t try to overhaul the whole garden in one season. Pick one area and start with that.

Before you rip our existing garden, plan out your layers and consider how you want to use your space. Make sure it’s still enjoyable and that you’re growing what you’re most interested in.

Start with the tallest layer, as this will affect the others. For instance, a large tree could create more shade, and you must ensure all plants match your garden’s conditions.

Fruit trees take a few years to bear fruit but once they do, provide an abundance of fruit.

The “Layers” of a Layered Garden

It’s time we start planning out our layers! I’ll give you a little breakdown of all the different layers, but check out Christina’s book for an in-depth look at the layers and some suggestions on what to grow.

Canopy Tree Layer

Your tallest layer begins with the tallest trees. There’s a good chance you already have large trees on your property or your city boulevard. In most cases, you stick with what you have.

“These are the large trees, reaching over 40 feet (12 m) tall, making them the layer that casts the most shade and has the greatest impact on the rest of your garden space,” says Christina.

If you don’t have any large trees or are starting a garden completely from scratch, the canopy tree layer is one of the biggest decisions in starting your layered garden.

Here are a few examples of canopy trees from Christina:
- Pine
- Sugar maple
- Linden
- Walnut
Subcanopy Layer

Your subcanopy layer consists of small trees. Most common fruit trees fall under this category. They take time to get established and bear fruit, but once they do, they provide plenty of food and year-round beauty.

Christina suggests putting these trees on the edge of your property. “Use subcanopy trees where you need beneficial shade and to gain extra height and screening from foliage, where you want a more compact package than a larger canopy tree,” she says.

Here are a few examples from Christina of subcanopy trees

Flowering quince.

Shrub Layer

The shrub layer is one of the most prolific and versatile layers. Many shrubs can be edible, beautiful, and also work as privacy screens.

Many of us already have shrubs in our backyards. And we love them because they’re so low maintenance and easy to work with.

Here are a sample of shrubs from Christina:

Some shrubs, like blueberries, you can also grow in containers.

Herbaceous Perennial Layer

Your herbaceous perennial layer consists of a lot of perennial vegetables and herbs.

“These plants are smaller than shrubs, so you can pack many of them in even the smallest garden,” says Christina. “There are also many species and varieties to choose from, with lots of edible options.”

Here is a handful of options for this layer:
- Hosta
- Garlic chive
- Anise hyssop
- Mint
- Asparagus
- Daylily
- Giant butterbur
Climber Layer

One of the best ways to use vertical space is by including some climbers in your garden.

“Every building on your property has empty walls that could be covered with beautiful and delicious climbers,” says Christina. You can also create spaces just for your climbers, such as trellises, pergolas, and gates. There are many ways to beautify and utilize a climber.

Here is a sampling of some climbers:

Hops is a beautiful plant also great for sleep and relaxation.

Annual Layer

Yes, there is still room for your traditional veggie garden. After all, how else will you delight in the taste of a freshly grown tomato?

“Annual crops can also be a great option to fill empty spaces in time,” says Christina. “Most of your herbaceous layer will be dormant in the winter, leaving a bare and inedible garden.”

Ground Cover Layer

The low level of the garden shouldn’t be discounted either. Most think of a lawn, but there are more options.

Christina says, “Small, low-growing, carpeting plants play a key role in protecting the soil from erosion and summer heat while also eliminating places for weed seeds to germinate.”

Here are some ground cover options:
- Wild strawberry
- Wild ginger
- Wintergreen
- Thyme
- Nasturtium
The Rhizosphere Layer

Another layer? Yes! There is also plenty going on below the surface. There are many edible and medicinal roots out there. The top of the plant may also contribute to a different layer.

It should be noted that you do need to disturb the soil to plant these veggies. “Choose locations that you can access easily, such as the perimeter of beds or the back of a border,” says Christina.

Here are some examples of edible roots:
- Sunchoke
- Oca
- Taro
- Onions
- Radish
Sunchokes.

And that covers all the layers! For more on this very cool practice of making an edible layered garden, be sure to check out Christina’s book.

More Tips for Growing Food in Urban Spaces
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Stephanie Rose

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February 26, 2024
How to Create a Permaculture Food Forest
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If you’re curious about how to create a permaculture food forest, you’ve come to the right place.

What is it? In simple terms, a permaculture food forest is a garden that imitates the structure and function of a natural forest. It consists of a variety of plants, including fruits, nuts, herbs, and vegetables. The garden is arranged in layers (like a natural forest), with trees, shrubs, ground cover plants, and vines. These plants coexist, support each other’s growth, and establish a harmonious ecosystem.

A food forest not only yields a rich variety of food and resources for you but also creates a beneficial environment for local wildlife.

10 Practical Tips for Creating a Permaculture Food Forest

1. Gather information about your property

Before you start planting, get to know your property. Observe your surroundings. Notice the natural paths of water, wind, and sunlight throughout the year and their effect on your property. Take notes and try to discover the patterns. Research and try to discover the implications of your observations.
- What are the measurements of the property?
- What are the microclimates?
- Where are the utilities located?
- Which hardscaping elements will stay or be changed?
- What are the known challenges?
- What structures are on the property?
- Where would any planned structures need to be located?
- What is the condition of the soil? Test the soil so that you understand any underlying issues.
Large or complicated properties can be challenging to navigate. Consider hiring an expert. A trained professional may help you avoid costly mistakes. They can evaluate space limitations, drainage, sun exposure, and other factors to ensure your food forest will thrive.

If you do this step on your own, spend time reading permaculture books to familiarize yourself with the key principles. Some of my favorite permaculture books include:

Permaculture principles applied to small spaces and containers:

2. Understand the vision for the property and implement goals to make it happen

Now that you are beginning to understand your property, it’s time to decide what you want to achieve with your food forest. Create a vision statement of what you would like the property to become. This is also a good time to consider the time and resources you wish to devote to the project and ongoing maintenance.
- Do you want a wide variety of fruit to eat every day of the year?
- How much of your food would you like to grow?
- Would you like to grow rare or unusual fruit?
- Are animals or other livestock included in your vision?
- What plans for water or energy conservation do you have?
Now, set goals to implement that vision. Consider how to meet the needs of everyone who lives on your property. Include as much detail as possible in your plans. Your goals will determine what, where, and how much you plant.

Write your vision and goals down and keep them in mind as you build your food forest.

Growing tropical fruit like these bananas may be a part of your vision and goals for your food forest

3. Evaluate and improve the soil

You may not be able to implement all the goals and food forest plans at once but begin by improving the soil.

No matter what or when you plant, it needs good soil to grow well. Adding a thick layer of compost and wood chips is a simple way to improve your soil. If you live in a dry climate, begin watering. Adding compost, wood chips, and water makes your soil come alive in preparation for planting.

4. Learn which plants grow best in your climate for each permaculture layer

In a food forest, you’ll have different layers: canopy, low tree level, shrub level, and herbaceous level. Each layer supports various types of plants. Take the time to learn which plants grow best in your climate for each layer and plan your food forest accordingly.

If you live in a mild winter climate, these posts about perennial herbs and other perennial crops may help. For other climates, find local growers or check with your extension office for planting resources.

5. Plan fruit tree guilds in your food forest

Fruit tree guilds are groups of plants that work together to support the fruit tree. Look to existing local plant groupings for guidelines of what is already working well in your climate. Choose resilient plants that offer different benefits to one another.

For example, planting nitrogen-fixing plants can help fertilize the soil and benefit the fruit tree. Other plants may help keep pests away and provide nutrients to the soil or provide leaf litter for mulch.

10 Practical Tips for Creating a Permaculture Food Forest (cont.)

6. Plant suitable varieties for your climate

It is essential to understand chill hours, climate zones, and their impact on what you can grow. If you live in an area with low chill hours, you’ll need to choose trees that don’t require a lot of chill hours. Research the varieties that will do well in your particular climate before planting. If you don’t have enough chill hours for a particular fruit, the tree may grow, but it will not produce fruit.

Avocados are difficult to grow well in the low desert of Arizona

If you live in the low desert of Arizona, this fruit planting guide lists several options that grow well.

7. Start with trees that are easy to grow

When creating a food forest, knowing which trees will do well with minimal effort in your area is essential. For example, citrus, mulberry, fig, and pomegranate are good choices for beginners if you live in the low desert of Arizona. These trees are easy to grow, hardy, and provide abundant fruit. Growing easy-to-grow trees is a good preparation before tackling tough or finicky plants that are more difficult to grow well.

8. Purchase small trees for planting

While larger trees may seem appealing, smaller trees (1-gallon or 5-gallon) are less expensive, easier to transport and plant, and establish roots quickly. They’re often healthier and will catch up to larger, more costly trees in just a few years. Learn more about how to plant bare-root and container fruit trees in this blog post.

9. Plant canopy trees first in your food forest

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, and the next best time is today. Canopy trees are the largest in your food forest and form the top layer. They provide shade, shelter, and a habitat for wildlife. Planting canopy trees first helps create the microclimate that allows other plants to survive and thrive. The size of a canopy tree will vary depending on the size of your property.

10. Take pictures and videos of the process

I’ve never regretted taking ‘before’ pictures. I usually regret not taking enough and not taking video footage as well! Documenting the process of creating your food forest will allow you to see how far you’ve come.

Recording the process is also an excellent way to look back and learn from successes and mistakes. As an added bonus, before and after pictures and videos can inspire others when you share your journey.

Before and after images of the food forest at Arizona Worm Farm

By following these practical tips, you’ll be on your way to building a thriving permaculture food forest. With a bit of patience and hard work, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest. Good luck!

If this post about how to create a permaculture food forest was helpful, please share it:
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Angela Judd

Source link
February 8, 2024
How to Create a Permaculture Food Forest
[ad_1]
If you’re curious about how to create a permaculture food forest, you’ve come to the right place.

What is it? In simple terms, a permaculture food forest is a garden that imitates the structure and function of a natural forest. It consists of a variety of plants, including fruits, nuts, herbs, and vegetables. The garden is arranged in layers (like a natural forest), with trees, shrubs, ground cover plants, and vines. These plants coexist, support each other’s growth, and establish a harmonious ecosystem.

A food forest not only yields a rich variety of food and resources for you but also creates a beneficial environment for local wildlife.

10 Practical Tips for Creating a Permaculture Food Forest

1. Gather information about your property

Before you start planting, get to know your property. Observe your surroundings. Notice the natural paths of water, wind, and sunlight throughout the year and their effect on your property. Take notes and try to discover the patterns. Research and try to discover the implications of your observations.
- What are the measurements of the property?
- What are the microclimates?
- Where are the utilities located?
- Which hardscaping elements will stay or be changed?
- What are the known challenges?
- What structures are on the property?
- Where would any planned structures need to be located?
- What is the condition of the soil? Test the soil so that you understand any underlying issues.
Large or complicated properties can be challenging to navigate. Consider hiring an expert. A trained professional may help you avoid costly mistakes. They can evaluate space limitations, drainage, sun exposure, and other factors to ensure your food forest will thrive.

If you do this step on your own, spend time reading permaculture books to familiarize yourself with the key principles. Some of my favorite permaculture books include:

Permaculture principles applied to small spaces and containers:

2. Understand the vision for the property and implement goals to make it happen

Now that you are beginning to understand your property, it’s time to decide what you want to achieve with your food forest. Create a vision statement of what you would like the property to become. This is also a good time to consider the time and resources you wish to devote to the project and ongoing maintenance.
- Do you want a wide variety of fruit to eat every day of the year?
- How much of your food would you like to grow?
- Would you like to grow rare or unusual fruit?
- Are animals or other livestock included in your vision?
- What plans for water or energy conservation do you have?
Now, set goals to implement that vision. Consider how to meet the needs of everyone who lives on your property. Include as much detail as possible in your plans. Your goals will determine what, where, and how much you plant.

Write your vision and goals down and keep them in mind as you build your food forest.

Growing tropical fruit like these bananas may be a part of your vision and goals for your food forest

3. Evaluate and improve the soil

You may not be able to implement all the goals and food forest plans at once but begin by improving the soil.

No matter what or when you plant, it needs good soil to grow well. Adding a thick layer of compost and wood chips is a simple way to improve your soil. If you live in a dry climate, begin watering. Adding compost, wood chips, and water makes your soil come alive in preparation for planting.

4. Learn which plants grow best in your climate for each permaculture layer

In a food forest, you’ll have different layers: canopy, low tree level, shrub level, and herbaceous level. Each layer supports various types of plants. Take the time to learn which plants grow best in your climate for each layer and plan your food forest accordingly.

If you live in a mild winter climate, these posts about perennial herbs and other perennial crops may help. For other climates, find local growers or check with your extension office for planting resources.

5. Plan fruit tree guilds in your food forest

Fruit tree guilds are groups of plants that work together to support the fruit tree. Look to existing local plant groupings for guidelines of what is already working well in your climate. Choose resilient plants that offer different benefits to one another.

For example, planting nitrogen-fixing plants can help fertilize the soil and benefit the fruit tree. Other plants may help keep pests away and provide nutrients to the soil or provide leaf litter for mulch.

10 Practical Tips for Creating a Permaculture Food Forest (cont.)

6. Plant suitable varieties for your climate

It is essential to understand chill hours, climate zones, and their impact on what you can grow. If you live in an area with low chill hours, you’ll need to choose trees that don’t require a lot of chill hours. Research the varieties that will do well in your particular climate before planting. If you don’t have enough chill hours for a particular fruit, the tree may grow, but it will not produce fruit.

Avocados are difficult to grow well in the low desert of Arizona

If you live in the low desert of Arizona, this fruit planting guide lists several options that grow well.

7. Start with trees that are easy to grow

When creating a food forest, knowing which trees will do well with minimal effort in your area is essential. For example, citrus, mulberry, fig, and pomegranate are good choices for beginners if you live in the low desert of Arizona. These trees are easy to grow, hardy, and provide abundant fruit. Growing easy-to-grow trees is a good preparation before tackling tough or finicky plants that are more difficult to grow well.

8. Purchase small trees for planting

While larger trees may seem appealing, smaller trees (1-gallon or 5-gallon) are less expensive, easier to transport and plant, and establish roots quickly. They’re often healthier and will catch up to larger, more costly trees in just a few years. Learn more about how to plant bare-root and container fruit trees in this blog post.

9. Plant canopy trees first in your food forest

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, and the next best time is today. Canopy trees are the largest in your food forest and form the top layer. They provide shade, shelter, and a habitat for wildlife. Planting canopy trees first helps create the microclimate that allows other plants to survive and thrive. The size of a canopy tree will vary depending on the size of your property.

10. Take pictures and videos of the process

I’ve never regretted taking ‘before’ pictures. I usually regret not taking enough and not taking video footage as well! Documenting the process of creating your food forest will allow you to see how far you’ve come.

Recording the process is also an excellent way to look back and learn from successes and mistakes. As an added bonus, before and after pictures and videos can inspire others when you share your journey.

Before and after images of the food forest at Arizona Worm Farm

By following these practical tips, you’ll be on your way to building a thriving permaculture food forest. With a bit of patience and hard work, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest. Good luck!

If this post about how to create a permaculture food forest was helpful, please share it:
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Matt

Source link
February 8, 2024
How to Create a Permaculture Food Forest
[ad_1]
If you’re curious about how to create a permaculture food forest, you’ve come to the right place.

What is it? In simple terms, a permaculture food forest is a garden that imitates the structure and function of a natural forest. It consists of a variety of plants, including fruits, nuts, herbs, and vegetables. The garden is arranged in layers (like a natural forest), with trees, shrubs, ground cover plants, and vines. These plants coexist, support each other’s growth, and establish a harmonious ecosystem.

A food forest not only yields a rich variety of food and resources for you but also creates a beneficial environment for local wildlife.

10 Practical Tips for Creating a Permaculture Food Forest

1. Gather information about your property

Before you start planting, get to know your property. Observe your surroundings. Notice the natural paths of water, wind, and sunlight throughout the year and their effect on your property. Take notes and try to discover the patterns. Research and try to discover the implications of your observations.
- What are the measurements of the property?
- What are the microclimates?
- Where are the utilities located?
- Which hardscaping elements will stay or be changed?
- What are the known challenges?
- What structures are on the property?
- Where would any planned structures need to be located?
- What is the condition of the soil? Test the soil so that you understand any underlying issues.
Large or complicated properties can be challenging to navigate. Consider hiring an expert. A trained professional may help you avoid costly mistakes. They can evaluate space limitations, drainage, sun exposure, and other factors to ensure your food forest will thrive.

If you do this step on your own, spend time reading permaculture books to familiarize yourself with the key principles. Some of my favorite permaculture books include:

Permaculture principles applied to small spaces and containers:

2. Understand the vision for the property and implement goals to make it happen

Now that you are beginning to understand your property, it’s time to decide what you want to achieve with your food forest. Create a vision statement of what you would like the property to become. This is also a good time to consider the time and resources you wish to devote to the project and ongoing maintenance.
- Do you want a wide variety of fruit to eat every day of the year?
- How much of your food would you like to grow?
- Would you like to grow rare or unusual fruit?
- Are animals or other livestock included in your vision?
- What plans for water or energy conservation do you have?
Now, set goals to implement that vision. Consider how to meet the needs of everyone who lives on your property. Include as much detail as possible in your plans. Your goals will determine what, where, and how much you plant.

Write your vision and goals down and keep them in mind as you build your food forest.

Growing tropical fruit like these bananas may be a part of your vision and goals for your food forest

3. Evaluate and improve the soil

You may not be able to implement all the goals and food forest plans at once but begin by improving the soil.

No matter what or when you plant, it needs good soil to grow well. Adding a thick layer of compost and wood chips is a simple way to improve your soil. If you live in a dry climate, begin watering. Adding compost, wood chips, and water makes your soil come alive in preparation for planting.

4. Learn which plants grow best in your climate for each permaculture layer

In a food forest, you’ll have different layers: canopy, low tree level, shrub level, and herbaceous level. Each layer supports various types of plants. Take the time to learn which plants grow best in your climate for each layer and plan your food forest accordingly.

If you live in a mild winter climate, these posts about perennial herbs and other perennial crops may help. For other climates, find local growers or check with your extension office for planting resources.

5. Plan fruit tree guilds in your food forest

Fruit tree guilds are groups of plants that work together to support the fruit tree. Look to existing local plant groupings for guidelines of what is already working well in your climate. Choose resilient plants that offer different benefits to one another.

For example, planting nitrogen-fixing plants can help fertilize the soil and benefit the fruit tree. Other plants may help keep pests away and provide nutrients to the soil or provide leaf litter for mulch.

10 Practical Tips for Creating a Permaculture Food Forest (cont.)

6. Plant suitable varieties for your climate

It is essential to understand chill hours, climate zones, and their impact on what you can grow. If you live in an area with low chill hours, you’ll need to choose trees that don’t require a lot of chill hours. Research the varieties that will do well in your particular climate before planting. If you don’t have enough chill hours for a particular fruit, the tree may grow, but it will not produce fruit.

Avocados are difficult to grow well in the low desert of Arizona

If you live in the low desert of Arizona, this fruit planting guide lists several options that grow well.

7. Start with trees that are easy to grow

When creating a food forest, knowing which trees will do well with minimal effort in your area is essential. For example, citrus, mulberry, fig, and pomegranate are good choices for beginners if you live in the low desert of Arizona. These trees are easy to grow, hardy, and provide abundant fruit. Growing easy-to-grow trees is a good preparation before tackling tough or finicky plants that are more difficult to grow well.

8. Purchase small trees for planting

While larger trees may seem appealing, smaller trees (1-gallon or 5-gallon) are less expensive, easier to transport and plant, and establish roots quickly. They’re often healthier and will catch up to larger, more costly trees in just a few years. Learn more about how to plant bare-root and container fruit trees in this blog post.

9. Plant canopy trees first in your food forest

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, and the next best time is today. Canopy trees are the largest in your food forest and form the top layer. They provide shade, shelter, and a habitat for wildlife. Planting canopy trees first helps create the microclimate that allows other plants to survive and thrive. The size of a canopy tree will vary depending on the size of your property.

10. Take pictures and videos of the process

I’ve never regretted taking ‘before’ pictures. I usually regret not taking enough and not taking video footage as well! Documenting the process of creating your food forest will allow you to see how far you’ve come.

Recording the process is also an excellent way to look back and learn from successes and mistakes. As an added bonus, before and after pictures and videos can inspire others when you share your journey.

Before and after images of the food forest at Arizona Worm Farm

By following these practical tips, you’ll be on your way to building a thriving permaculture food forest. With a bit of patience and hard work, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest. Good luck!

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Angela Judd

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January 30, 2024