8 Layers of Edible Plants
Canopy layer, Sub-canopy layer, Shrub layer, Vine layer, Herb layer, Fungi layer, Ground cover layer, Underground layer
Providing you with edible fruit, nuts, berries, vegetables, greens, herbs, tubers, rhizomes, mushrooms, flowers, seeds
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Low-maintenance Edible Perennials
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Once established, perennials continue to produce, year after year. A sustainable system produces more energy than it takes to create and maintain it. Imagine being able to walk outside to the back yard and have abundant food, ripened on the tree or vine! |
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Soil Building
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There are many techniques to build your soil: tilling, flood irrigation, adding minerals, worm castings, gypsum, coconut coir, organic fertilizers, sand, or bio-char depending on what your Food Forest soil needs. We use only natural materials, organic whenever possible. We do not use artificial fertilizers or pesticides. |
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Water
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We can recycle our water, and also harvest rainwater. For wet climates, we utilize plants that like lots of moisture, and design your food forest with adequate drainage. |
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Composting
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There are many ways of composting, from putting choppings directly into the ground, to building containers that age and decompose the choppings, to composting toilets. |
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Companion Planting
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For each zone, we find nitrogen fixers that grow best, and which pollinators attract the most bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Companion planting is one of the magic keys of our designs. |
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Sanctuary
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We can add a seating area, pond, gazebo, or walking paths to add to the beauty of your food forest. Your food forest can be a place for you to rest, relax, and connect with Nature. |
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Sheet Mulching
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Sheet Mulching is a weed suppression technique, and it also helps greatly to build the bio-availability of the soil. All the material on top of the cardbord dies and builds the nutrient density of the soil. It will feed the plants later on. It is very important because it keeps the moisture in the soil and inhibits unwanted plants. |
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Raised Beds
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Raised beds are simple to make, and can hold both perennials and annuals. Many people like them for convenience. |
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Vertical Gardening
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Vertical layers are especially valuable in indoor gardens. We can design as many layers as you wish, according to your space. |