Food Forests refer to a style of agroforestry that is typically used in larger landscapes. Food Forests incorporate all the layers of a forest - canopy, understory, bush, vine, herbaceous layer, ground cover, and root crops. The goal is to achieve a self-sustaining ecosystem that requires minimal input by the gardener. It should include food producing plants, pollinator attracting plants, and soil ammending plants.

Diversity is key in a Food Forest. Not only for a wider range of foods to be harvested, but for other reasons too. Diversity can attract a wide range of pollinators and beneficial insects. Different plant types and root growth can ammend and protect soil health. The different growth habits of plants create structure for each other such as a vine climbing a tree. Canopies and understories create microclimates for the plants growing underneath them.

Food Forests are meant to be wild and thrive on neglect. This is not for the homeowner living in an HOA. Food Forests are meant to replicate exactly what they say they are - FORESTS.

When done right, a Food Forest should become something we exist in.

On the other hand, a Foodscape is a food producing landscape that can be designed to fit more traditional styles. Foodscapes can be designed to fit in a cookie-cutter HOA yard while still being productive.

For more a more detailed post on Food Forests, please check out our "Food Forests and Foodscapes" Forum Category by CLICKING HERE