Ideas on creating a small food forest should include the strengths and limitations of a property. But in almost all cases, it can be done!
Start your food forest with a vision of what it can be.
My mom was great at this! My apple tree and the cherry tree were her vision for the future. Gardening in the mountain west can be tricky, but that didn’t stop her from trying.
Over the years, she also planted pear, apricot, and plum trees, which took years to become productive.
But now I have fresh cherry pie every July 4th! It was her vision that made it happen.
If you take a walk around your property, what do you see? How about opportunity?
It’s the simple consideration of what it could be. In a year or maybe five years. As the old song says, “Time Marches On.”
So, you might as well plant a food forest.
Consider what fruit or vegetables you want to grow in your food forest. There are many options.
Consider the limitations. And work around them.
My aunt lives in the city with a relatively small backyard, but that hasn’t stopped her from growing a beautiful vineyard.
While there may be times you need to adjust how you do something, you will have options.
You must consider the size, sun, and growing zone requirements. However, small fruit trees, vines, and bushes have been cultivated to meet specific needs.
Even with a more complex area, you can create a garden ecosystem producing fruit and vegetables.
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, and asparagus are great for small areas.
Your local county extension office will be able to guide you to what is most successfully grown in your area. The Farmer’s Almanac will help you find yours.
https://www.almanac.com/cooperative-extension-services
After finding plants that will thrive in your area, add them to your garden.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are fine gardens!
It’s one plant at a time.
And it will take time for them to be established enough to bring a harvest.
The reward will come with effort, but the journey can be enjoyed on the way.
Beginning with a small food forest will decrease the pressure on a budget, and you will find what plants work in your ecosystem.
Also, during this time, you will continue to work on creating quality soil in your garden area.
To learn gardening tips, you may want to review this previous post.
Create areas of beauty and focal points.
Along the way, delight your senses! A place to rest, a beautiful bird bath, and various pieces of garden art can make a substantial difference in your garden area.
Create a place you love to be! Beauty feeds the soul, and this is an excellent opportunity for you!
Food forests aren’t built in a day, but that is the fun part of it! Planning for the future is a step that provides food security and feelings of satisfaction.
