Planting a Food Forest

— Written By
en Español / em Português
Español

El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.

Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.


Português

Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.

Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.


English

English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.

Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.

Collapse ▲

 As we are in the middle of winter and spring is approaching quickly, one starts to plan new plantings for their garden. How about this year, try building a perennial food forest in your backyard? A food forest is sometimes called a forest garden. Food forests are designed to replicate ecosystems and growing patterns found in nature. There are several layers in a food forest, with each providing ecological functions. A food forest can be designed with only a few layers or nine layers. 

The idea of a food forest has its roots in permaculture. Permaculture “is the conscious design and maintenance of cultivated ecosystems that have the diversity, stability, and resilience of a natural ecosystem.” [Bill Mollison]. Each layer is designed to mimic natural ecosystems through deliberate diverse perennial plantings while providing food for you. Plants may be selected to fit one ecological function, while others can fill many. As a food forest grows, these ecological niches that are filled will allow the food forest to become self-sustaining. 

Root Layer

The root layer is designed to help build the health of the soil. Some plants with deep roots are chosen to allow for nutrients to be brought up. Other plants with extensive root systems are chosen to stabilize the soil 

Ground Cover Layer

The ground cover layer protects the soil surface. Plants prevent soil loss from erosion and provide weed suppression. Ground covers that provide nitrogen fixation can be chosen to help build the soil and add nitrogen to the soil to be used by the other plants in the food forest. 

Herb Layer

The herb layer can be considered part of the understory layer. Herbs have scents, and the properties of the plants chosen are used as a distraction and deterrent for pests. The herbaceous plants will die back in the fall, providing biomass, organic matter, and nutrients to the food forest.

Understory Layer

The understory layer consists of small trees and shrubs. Shrubs and trees are typically fruiting or can be used for medicinal purposes. Many of the plants for this food forest layer are pollinator attractors and encourage birds and beneficial insects.

Canopy Layer

The canopy layer is the top layer of a food forest. Larger fruiting trees are chosen for this layer. Trees can also attract pollinators and wildlife while also providing food. The trees also provide shelter for the plants underneath. 

Planting Suggestions for Food Forests:

Root Layer: Borage, Horseradish (Big Top), Jerusalem Artichoke, Rhubarb

Ground Layer: Calendula, Strawberry, Oregano, Mint, Clover

Herb Layer: Basil, Dill, Lavender, Asparagus

Understory Layer: Goji Berry (Phoenix Tears), Elderberry (Sambucus species), Blueberry (Premier, Jersey, Patriot, Onslow), Raspberry (Prelude, Encore), Bush Cherry (Nanking Red, Nanking White)

Canopy Layer:  Pawpaw (KSU Atwood, Select Pawpaw), Fig (Brown Turkey, Hardy Chicago), Apple (Liberty, Stayman Winesap, Enterprise), Persimmon (Miss Kim, Sung Hui, Hira Tanenashi), Mulberry (Red Mulberry, Black Mulberry), Pear, Asian (Daisui Li), Pear, European (Potomac, Shenandoah)

References:

Planting a Comunity Food ForestUniversity of Minnesota Extension

Resources for the Food Forest Enthusiast James Madison University

NC State Extension Permaculture Design

MSU Edible Food Forest Garden 

Written By

Matthew Clay, N.C. Cooperative ExtensionMatthew ClayExtension Agent, Agriculture - Horticulture Call Matthew Email Matthew N.C. Cooperative Extension, Wilkes County Center
Updated on Feb 9, 2024
Was the information on this page helpful? Yes check No close
Scannable QR Code to Access Electronic Version