Create Your Own FOOD FOREST In 3 Steps [How To Transform Any Piece of Land Quickly]

Here's how I made my very own DIY Permaculture food forest quickly and effectively. If I can do this with the horribly compacted, dry clay and rock soil I had (as well as hostile Mountain West climate), you can certainly do this anywhere!

Enjoy!

[etiennelouw]

I am a pensioner living in Cape Town, South Africa. No mulch available so I dug up the grass to start my veggie garden (2021), then I covered it with cardboard, I cut holes in the cardboard and inserted "grow tubes" (soda bottles cut into tubes) I planted my veggies inside the grow tubes and only water inside the grow tubes with a soda bottle with a hole in the lid. This cuts down on water use as we almost ran out of water 2 years ago. I planted 6 trees also in grow tubes from cuttings from my neighbors, one died and the avo tree was started from a pip. I have harvested a lot in my first season and in time as the trees grow will add their fruit. I am also digging a trench to harvest rain water in my front yard, next year I hope to harvest 35% of my food.

[dagrind]

I'm in Aurora good to see Colorado gardening

[flatsville]

Growers planning a food forest garden should take care to plant semi drwaf trees & large shrubs more to the north-northwest side of any site so they don't block available sunlight to other plants. There are only so many perennial food producing plants that like heavy shade & that's all you'll get if you don't place the trees & shrubs in the right place to begin with. Over time, too much shade becomes a real problem.

[michaeltodd]

For small areas you can plant semi-dwarf fruit trees for your fruit tree guild's.

[lifescansdarkly]

This is a great video and a beautiful yard transformation! A few small additions:

(1) If you have *heavily* compacted dirt or clay, it can be very beneficial to break up the soil and till in amendments before starting your garden. The purpose of no-till gardening is to not disturb the soil life (insects and microbes), but if you have lifeless, degraded soil, there's nothing to disturb. Sand, expanded shale, and compost will all help to loosen up your topsoil and give you a better starting point. But after that, no more tilling; just add organic matter in successive layers and let nature do the work.

(2) If your yard is infested with rhizomatic weeds like Bindweed or Bermuda Grass, you will need to *completely eradicate* them before laying down organic matter, otherwise you're just going to be feeding the monster. I would never advocate for pesticides but cardboard and wood chips won't cut it; those weeds will just push right through them. You'll want to lay down black plastic sheeting to completely smother them until the root system dies (this may take multiple years). *Do not* start your garden until you're certain these guys are gone for good, otherwise you will spend the next 5-10 years pulling them out by hand! Ask me how I know.

[yellowbird]

Do you have that white butterfly on the payroll, or does she do the informal tours as a volunteer?

[tfrank]

Just found your channel and wanted to take a minute to say that I truly hope you continue making videos and sharing your experiences. You do a very good job of explaining things in a way that even beginners can understand. I'm not a beginner by any means but I really enjoyed seeing what you are doing and learning about your experiences in a different area from my own. We are not in the mountains but we have our own challenges here in Texas (summer sun, high winds and extreme heat).

[matthewfarrell]

What a nice random Youtube recommendation.

We started our forest (still prefer the term orchard lol) during the lockdown here in Melbourne in our Autumn. So far so good, 7 dwarf fruit trees to start with, and a bramble front fence, this winter in the next 4-5 months we will add the grapes to close off the front yard. What amazes me, is the number of people who stop, have a look, a talk, and take a berry with them as they leave.

I do agree with you in regards to knowing your area. We are in a unique position in our city, one where I can grow mangos/dwarf bananas, nearby to a 1000 chill our blueberry etc. We get the cold but lack any real frosts to worry about, benefits of being between two bays. But if you didn't know this you would miss out.

[bobbiejeanesser]

Your food forest is beautiful!! Way prettier than traditional gardens in my opinion.

[guineverependragon]

For people who are new to this concept, make sure to thoroughly moisten the cardboard and all the layers and KEEP them moist for the biodegrading process.

[DK-qxlv]

Glad I found this! I just had a load of tree mulch dripped from a tree company and hope to be able to plant next spring. My plan is to let the grass dry out, torch it, lay down contractor paper, compost, then the mulch. I’m excited to see what happens to my soil.
I know that the best time to plant a tree is 10 years ago, but the next best time is now! So with inflation coming, food security is my peiority for my family. Thanks❤️✌️

[eviekleinwhittingham]

Its wonderful to see your success with woodchips on damaged soil! I have found the no-dig method very effective using a thick layer of free wood chips to protect and enrich the soil life.
However, while it makes sense in design to start with planting trees and shrubs, brand new gardeners should start small with annual veg and fruit they love to eat. It takes time to observe the land and develop skills--and confidence--in growing plants. Trees and shrubs are long term plants that need more research and consideration before making such a big commitment.

[CherieNorquay]

Love the wild west look! Nice garden

[mirakarchitect]

Awesome, very enlightening. thanks for sharing.

[Beamay-fp]

This year i been working on my food forest and this is the best video by far thanks helped alot

[karenjones]

Love your garden, it's beautiful!

[SA-gfuf]

Zone 3 here. Love listening to people talk about their harsh environments. Lovely garden

[toosense]

I appreciate that Covid got more people gardening and improving their health with organic foods. A healthy immune system will always be our best defense against all illness. Tfs!

[gavinbrinck]

great video; fantastic, very inspiring. thank you !

[VelvetandToads]

I’ve watched a lot of food forest videos and yours is so clear and concise! I’m saving it aside as the first place to begin. Would just add that almonds and hazelnuts aren’t too big. Thank you 🙏🏻