Creating a Self Sufficient Food Forest

It's always a good time to start thinking about how you can become more self-sufficient. For those who tend to a food forest, this is one area you can start with! Food, like everything else in life, starts with plants. If you do not grow your own food currently, what better way to start than to mimic nature by creating a food forest.What is a food forest exactly? It's a garden that is designed to function like a forest ecosystem, with different layers of plants that provide food, medicine, and other resources. The goal is to create a space that is self-sufficient, meaning it requires little to no input from you once it's established.

Food Forest Tips

• Choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has good drainage.
• Create a plan. Decide what kinds of plants you want to include and where you want to place them.
• Start with smaller plants and trees, and add larger ones as the forest grows.
• Don't forget about the animals! Include plants that will attract bees, birds, and other beneficial organisms.
• Be patient. It will take time for your food forest to reach its full potential, but it will be worth the wait.

Creating a Self Sufficient Food Forest

A food forest can provide for itself in a few different ways. The first is by creating its own microclimate. This is done by planting trees and other large plants that will provide shade and shelter from the wind. This will create a more hospitable environment for other plants to grow. The larger plants will also help to retain moisture in the soil.The second way a food forest can provide for itself is by using a technique called guild planting. This is where different plants are grouped together based on their complementary relationships. For example, you might plant nitrogen-fixing plants next to fruit trees. The nitrogen-fixers will help to fertilize the soil, while the fruit trees will provide shade and shelter. Other examples of guild planting include pairing bees with flowering plants or planting vegetables next to herbs that deter pests.The third way a food forest can provide for itself is by attracting animals that will help to disperse seeds and pollinate plants. This can be done by planting a variety of native plants that will attract birds, bees, and other animals. You can also provide nesting boxes and water sources to encourage them to stick around.

How Can You Help?

There are many ways to help your food forest along its journey, but one of the simplest is to use items you already have around the house. To help your food forest become more self-sufficient, here are a few ideas:

Compost

One of the key components of a healthy forest is nutritious soil. You can help achieve this through compost. Compost is basically decomposed organic matter that is used to improve the soil. You can create your own compost by collecting food scraps and yard waste. If you don't have a lot of space, you can even compost indoors.

Mulching

Mulch is another important element in a food forest. It helps to retain moisture in the soil, control weeds, and keep the roots of your plants warm. You can create your own mulch by recycling leaves, grass clippings, and wood chips.

Plants

Of course, you'll need plants for your food Forest. If you have a green thumb, you can start from seed. Otherwise, you can get started with plants that are already established. Just be sure to choose species that are native to your area and that will thrive in the conditions you can provide.

Animals

If you want to create a truly self-sufficient food forest, you'll need to add animals to the mix. Chickens are a great option, as they provide both eggs and fertilizer. You can also consider other animals, such as rabbits, goats, birds, or bees.

Water

Water is essential for all life, so it's important to have a plan for how you will water your food Forest. If you have a lot of space, you can create a rainwater catchment system. If you have a smaller space, you can water your plants with greywater from your household. During rainy seasons, watering may become less necessary. 

Recycling Materials

Re-think how you do garbage. Old tires can be used as planters. Milk jugs and soda bottles can be used as mini-greenhouses. Eggshells can be used as fertilizer. There are many ways to reuse & recycle common household items and put them to good use in your food forest.

Takeaway

So you can see, with a little planning and effort, you can create a food forest that will provide you with fresh food, medicine, and other resources for years to come. Need help planning out your food forest? Check out our food forest design blueprints!