A food forest is a sustainable and regenerative approach to gardening that mimics the structure and function of a natural forest. It is a self-sustaining system that requires little maintenance and has numerous benefits for both the environment and the people who tend to it. By incorporating a diverse range of plants, a food forest creates a balanced and resilient ecosystem, providing a steady supply of nutrient-rich food while also supporting pollinators and other beneficial insects. The multi-layered design of a food forest allows for efficient use of space and resources, with taller trees providing shade and wind protection for smaller plants, and the addition of nitrogen-fixing plants enriching the soil. Not only does a food forest provide a sustainable source of food, but it also promotes biodiversity, improves soil health, and reduces the need for chemical inputs. 

 

Using sustainable agriculture practices to create a thriving food forest with your family and/or community will reconnect people with their food source to make a more harmonious co existence between humans and mother nature.  

 

 

There are 7 layers to a proper food forest:

 

1. Canopy - large fruit & nut trees

2. Understory - Dwarf fruit trees 

3. Shrubs - currants & berries

4. Herbaceous - herbs, perennials and self seeding annuals

5. Rhizosphere - root crops

6. Ground cover - strawberries, squash, clover

7. Vertical - vines

 

 

 Unlike regular vegetable gardens, a food forest only needs to be designed once because the majority of it does not need to be replanted every year. It does evolve over time and may need to be adjusted as the trees in the canopy layer grow and cast more shade over the land. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly research and plan your forest, and even consider taking classes before you begin digging. In the beginning, consulting with experienced individuals who have knowledge of food forests can provide valuable insights on the best plants to grow. These plants should ideally be suited to your climate and serve multiple purposes. For example, they may be edible, nitrogen fixing, attract beneficial bugs, have medicinal qualities, and provide habitat for wildlife.

 

 Installation of the design can be planted in stages in order to not get overwhelmed.  Bareroot fruit trees are a great choice for those looking to start the canopy/understory layer of their food forest.  They are a budget-friendly option compared to potted trees. Our bareroot fruit trees are suited to the climate and conditions of Eastern Ontario. This is because they are grafted on cold hardy, semi-dwarf root stock, which ensures that they are strong and healthy from the beginning. 

Name: Louisa Visser

Job Title: Greenhouse Lead Hand

Describe the Position:  Monitoring growth and  maintaining health of greenhouse grown seedlings.

What Do You Love About Your Job:  Best Job I ever had! With a great team to work with.  Nice to know there is a bigger purpose to my overall job.

Why did you choose to work at FTN:  Went to school for horticulture and had already worked for a landscaping company and flower farm.  I wanted a different experience within the same field.

Best Thing About FTN:  Specializing in bareroot seedlings are native to this area.

Favorite Tree: Tamarack    Shrub: Spice Bush   Perennial: Coreopsis

Resources: Fergusontreenursery.ca, ProjectFoodForest.org

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