Building a Food Forest: Lessons From Over a Decade of Growth

Hi there,

We’re Brittany and Jared, and for over a decade, we’ve been on a journey to transform our land into a thriving food forest. What started as a dream of growing our own food has turned into a self-sustaining ecosystem filled with diverse plants, buzzing pollinators, and an endless supply of fresh, organic produce.

Whether you’re just starting or thinking about diving into the world of food forests, we’re here to share what we’ve learned along the way.

The Elements of a Food Forest

A food forest is a multi-layered wonder where every plant has a role. Here’s how we built ours:

1. The Canopy: Tall Trees

In the beginning, we planted towering fruit trees to form the backbone of our forest. These trees provide shade and stability, creating the environment other plants need to thrive.

Our Favorites: Mango, Avocado, and Jackfruit.

2. The Understory: Small Trees

Beneath the canopy, we added smaller trees that thrive in dappled light. They’re perfect for producing fruit even in partial shade.

What We Love: Guava, Longan, and our beloved Dwarf Citrus varieties.

3. The Shrub Layer

Shrubs are essential for adding diversity and improving the soil. Many of them fix nitrogen, which helps the entire system flourish.

Top Picks: Black Pigeon Pea, Surinam Cherry, Grumichama, and Beautyberry.

4. The Herbaceous Layer

For us, this layer is where the magic happens—culinary herbs, medicinal plants, and leafy greens that bring vibrancy to the garden and our kitchen.

Go-Tos: Elderberry, Cranberry Hibiscus, and Hoja Santa.

5. Ground Covers

Ground covers keep weeds at bay and retain soil moisture. They also add a beautiful, lush look to the forest floor.

Tried and True: Tilo, Lolot, and tropical perennial greens.

6. The Root Layer

No food forest is complete without tubers and rhizomes. These underground crops stabilize the soil and provide delicious, nutrient-dense harvests.

Must-Haves: Gingers and Turmerics, Taro, and Jerusalem Artichoke. Explore the wide world of roots.

7. The Climbers: Vines and Creepers

Using vertical space is one of the easiest ways to boost production. We’ve trained climbers to wind their way up trees and trellises.
Best Performers: Passionfruit, Grapes, and Butterfly Pea.

How We Started

When we began, our land was bare and compacted. It took time, patience, and a lot of experimentation to get to where we are today. Here’s how we approached it:

1. Assess the Site:
   We checked sunlight, water flow, and soil health. Over time, we’ve added swales to direct water where it’s needed most.

2. Build the Soil:
   Healthy, living soil is the foundation of a thriving food forest. We layered mulch and compost every season to build rich, nutrient-dense earth. Planting nitrogen-fixers and practicing chop-and-drop mulching naturally enhances the soil.

3. Plant in Layers:
   Starting with trees, we worked our way down, adding shrubs, herbs, and ground covers. Each plant has its niche, contributing to the ecosystem.

4. Observe and Adapt:
   Every season, we’ve made adjustments. Some plants thrived, others didn’t. We’ve learned to listen to the land and let it guide our decisions.

Why We Love Our Food Forest

• A Year-Round Harvest: We always have something fresh to pick, whether it’s mangoes in the summer or leafy greens in the cooler months.
• Biodiversity: Our forest teems with life—birds, bees, and beneficial insects all play a role.
• Sustainability: Once established, the system is mostly self-sufficient, requiring minimal watering and maintenance.
• Connection to Nature: There’s nothing like stepping outside and harvesting your own food. It’s a constant reminder of how interconnected we are with the earth.

Looking Back

Starting a food forest can feel overwhelming, but each small step builds toward something incredible. Ten years ago, we couldn’t have imagined the thriving ecosystem we have today. With diverse layers, abundant harvests, and a vibrant community of wildlife, our food forest has become more than just a garden—it’s a way of life.

Your Turn to Start Growing

If you’re ready to start your own food forest, don’t worry—you don’t need a decade. Start small, plant what you love, and watch how nature transforms your space.

Happy Growing,
Brittany & Jared