

Forest Gardening: Back to the Basics
28 snips Jul 30, 2021
Dive into the fascinating world of forest gardening, where edible landscapes flourish. Learn about the seven layers of a food forest and the essential role of mycelium in plant communication. Discover the principles of permaculture and effective zoning for sustainable gardening. Explore the innovative hugelkultur method for moisture retention and the benefits of polyculture over traditional farming. Get inspired by personal journeys into forest gardening and the transformative power it holds for individuals and communities.
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Envisioning an Edible Forest
- Ben Bishop describes a natural forest with edible layers including fruit and nut trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers.
- This paints a vivid picture of a diverse, productive forest garden ecosystem that supports food and wildlife.
Understanding Seven Food Forest Layers
- The seven layers of a food forest include canopy, understory, shrubs, herbaceous plants, ground cover, roots, and vining plants.
- Integrating these vertically stacked layers maximizes space and mimics natural forest structure.
Use Vertical Space with Vines
- Train vines to grow upward on trees or trellises to maximize sunlight use and productivity.
- Utilizing vertical space this way captures more photosynthetic area and boosts yields in limited space.