A food forest is a perennial growing system in which trees, shrubs, herbs, groundcovers, roots and climbers are arranged to perform several functions together.

The familiar "layers" diagram is useful for understanding the idea, but it is not a ready-made planting plan.

Think in functions, not only layers

Ask which plants could provide:

  • food, fodder or medicine;
  • shade and protection from wind;
  • leaf litter and biomass;
  • habitat for pollinators and other wildlife;
  • living groundcover;
  • reliable production at different times of year.

Then examine the possible conflicts: root competition, excessive shade, difficult harvesting, water demand and restricted movement.

Established plantations can create useful microclimates. Turmeric, for example, may perform beneath a suitable canopy in some regions; a crop such as blackberry needs the right climate or protection. Neither example should be copied without testing it against the land.

Build the system slowly

1. Observe water, access, wind and existing trees. 2. Place the most permanent elements carefully. 3. Establish only what available water can support. 4. Trial understory crops in a small area. 5. Watch how shade, roots and moisture change as trees mature. 6. Keep access for care and harvesting. Our work since adopting permaculture in 2018 has reminded us that conditions do not stand still. Encouraging results can be followed by difficult weather or water constraints. A resilient system therefore needs ongoing observation and adjustment.

The purpose is not to copy the appearance of a forest. It is to learn from the relationships that allow a forest to function.

Related questions & topics

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