Benefits of Forest Gardening

Forest gardening is a great way to incorporate edible plants into your landscape. The trees and shrubs used in this type of garden are typically edible or have a direct use for humans. You can also include ornamental species in your forest garden. For example, you could grow strawberries and raspberries in a forest garden.

Another great benefit of forest gardening is the diversity of species. Bees, for example, perform a variety of useful functions within a forest garden ecology, and they can help improve pollination rates. Unfortunately, bees are becoming endangered due to the industrialisation of agriculture and the use of neonicotinoid pesticides.

When planting a forest garden, be sure to choose the right type of fruit trees. This will determine how you position the other elements in your garden. Fruit trees usually grow on rootstocks, which control the height and cropping potential of a particular variety. When choosing which fruit trees to plant, consider their maturity size and canopy spread.

Forest gardens mimic the natural structure of young woodland. As such, they are great for preserving soil carbon and diversity. Plants in a forest garden can be used for a variety of purposes, including for food, fuel, crafting materials, and medicinal uses. In addition, they can provide an environment of serenity and satisfaction.

The concept of forest gardening has evolved over the years. It originated in the 1970s, when Robert Hart, an anarchist, was inspired by the methods of agroforestry. He began his experiments with forest gardening on an eighth-acre of a disused orchard. In addition to food, Hart found that he could grow herbs and other plants that would grow by themselves.

A forest garden can be as simple or as complex as you want. First, you must gather the necessary tools and materials. Then, start planning out your garden. It doesn’t have to cost much money. If you start small, you can start by saving seeds and cuttings and build up your garden gradually. It’s also possible to use existing plants and build on them.

Traditional tropical forest gardens can have 200 species or more! Many of these species are beneficial for humans or to small animals. For example, a forest garden can grow nuts, vegetables, and fruits. A forest garden can help a family optimize their land for growing food. The trees release leaf litter and fix nitrogen, which helps the soil.