“As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, growing your own food forest has become more than just a hobby, it's a necessity,” says the local certified landscape designer and horticulturist.
The concept of food forests dates back thousands of years when indigenous peoples observed forest edges and recreated ecosystems. Today's food forests are designed to maximize biodiversity, soil health and food production, while requiring minimal maintenance once established.
Stacking plants vertically allows you to grow and harvest more food in a small space. Food forests don't just bring bountiful harvests. These are also resilient ecosystems that can adapt to a changing climate. As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, growing your own food forest is becoming more than just a hobby, it's becoming a necessity.
The harsh, hot summers have changed things and we will have to change the way we garden from now on.
Don't be tempted to make choices in the garden for instant gratification. We are seduced by beautiful things and imagine that we can have anything we want. But plants are not paint, and gardening is not decoration. It's about creating an ecosystem for both humans and non-humans.
7 layers of food forest
A canopy layer of large fruit trees An understory layer of small fruit and nut trees An understory layer of shrubs such as currants and berries A vertical layer of vines and climbing plants An herbaceous layer of perennial vegetables, flowers, and herbs A ground layer of living mulch Mycelium/fungi The layers form a network of thin threads that can connect with plant roots, enhancing nutrient transfer.
Have you ever dreamed of having your own secret garden?
Well, I'm making that dream a reality by creating my own food forest in my backyard. Imagine a garden filled with all kinds of delicious treasures, from apples and berries to even surprises like pawpaws and persimmons. It's like a natural buffet and I'm a lucky diner.
There are many other options besides slow-growing fruit trees.
Serviceberries, raspberries and blackberries give a large harvest in the second year of planting. I planted elderberry for its antioxidant-rich fruit, nankin cherry for its hardiness and sweet fruit, and hardy kiwi for its grape-like flavor and fast growth.
It doesn't have to be intimidating. Start by practicing companion planting by planting dwarf fruit trees and berry bushes.
Mix marigolds with vegetables or plant some vigorous woodland sunflowers at the edge of your garden. Experiment with different layers, understanding how your garden changes over time, creating a dynamic and diverse ecosystem.
Three Sisters: natural teamwork in your garden
A classic example of annual multicropping is the “Three Sisters” method of growing corn, beans, and squash together, a Native American tradition.
The corn stalks provide a trellis for the beans to climb. Beans are legumes that fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting corn. The pumpkins have spread and weeds have been suppressed. These three plants together form a mutually beneficial ecosystem.
It is a beautiful way to cultivate abundance while respecting the earth and its natural rhythms.
A certified landscape designer and horticulturist, Monika Rekola brings landscapes to life with a passion for gardening and CAD design, guided by a deep love for all living things. As a budding homesteader and garden writer, she shares her passion for sustainable living. With her knack for recycling and reusing, Monica finds beauty in simplicity and is an avid observer of nature due to her love of birds. She is passionate about forest management and horticulture with an ecological focus, striving to create balance in our delicate ecosystem. You can contact her at: [email protected].