The 7 Layers of a Food Forest

In a food forest garden,  the design is based on mimicking or mirroring the layers found in natural ecosystems to create a self-sustaining and productive environment. Once these layers are established, they will begin to take care of one another, hence the self-sustaining aspect of the food forest. Each plant selected thrives in a particular niche and does not compete with the other plants in the system. These garden spaces require much less energetic input over time because they are planted to generate their own resources and self-regenerate over the seasons. Creating a multi-layered food system like this is the best investment of time, money and space for anyone that wants to grow their own food, bring more green spaces to their community/land and do it all with less commitment and work. Food forests are the gardens of the future!

Here are the seven layers typically found in a food forest:

1. Canopy Layer: The canopy layer consists of tall trees that provide shade, shelter, and structure to the food forest. These trees are often fruit or nut-bearing species such as apple, pear, cherry, or walnut. They create a micro climate that supports the growth of under-story plants and provides habitat for wildlife.

2. Under story Layer: Beneath the canopy layer is the under story, composed of smaller trees and shrubs that thrive in partial shade. These plants may include berry bushes like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, as well as flowering shrubs like elderberry or currants. The under story layer adds diversity to the food forest and provides additional food sources for humans and wildlife.

3. Shrub Layer: The shrub layer consists of low-growing bushes and shrubs that fill in the gaps between larger plants. These plants may include culinary herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, as well as nitrogen-fixing species like sea buckthorn or goumi berry. Shrubs contribute to soil fertility, provide habitat for beneficial insects, and offer edible or medicinal yields.

4. Herbaceous Layer: The herbaceous layer consists of perennial and annual herbs, vegetables, and ground covers that grow close to the ground. These plants may include leafy greens like kale, lettuce, and spinach, as well as root crops like carrots, onions, and potatoes. Herbaceous plants add diversity to the food forest, suppress weeds, and provide edible yields throughout the growing season.

5. Ground Cover Layer: The ground cover layer consists of low-growing plants that protect the soil, prevent erosion, and suppress weeds. These plants may include creeping herbs like thyme or oregano, as well as nitrogen-fixing ground covers like clover or vetch. Ground covers improve soil health, retain moisture, and create a living mulch that supports the growth of other plants.

6. Vine Layer: The vine layer consists of climbing or vining plants that grow vertically, utilizing trellises, arbors, or existing trees for support. These plants may include grapevines, kiwi vines, or climbing beans and peas. Vines maximize vertical space in the food forest, increase yields per square foot, and provide additional food sources.

7. Root Layer: The root layer consists of underground plants that improve soil structure, enhance nutrient uptake, and store energy. These plants may include deep-rooted perennials like comfrey or daikon radish, as well as tuber crops like Jerusalem artichokes or sweet potatoes. Root crops help aerate the soil, increase fertility, and provide a resilient food source.

By incorporating these seven layers into the design of a food forest, gardeners can create a diverse and productive ecosystem that mimics the complexity and resilience of natural forests while providing abundant yields of food, medicine, and other useful resources.