Jude Della Terra

We are starting a food forest on 19 acres near Atlanta GA. I am planning to plant a bunch of fruit, nut, and medicinal trees and plants this fall, and am looking for suggestions as to what grows well in this area. I am thinking about muscadines, Asian persimmons, mulberry, apple, plums, figs, blueberries, pecans, hazelnuts, chestnuts, pomegranates, and peaches. Any other suggestions or advice in regards to any of these? Varieties? Any insight into what has worked well for others in the area is much appreciated. Thanks!

I am looking for suggestions to remediate compacted soil (the soil is somewhat high in clay content and has a neutral pH). I am helping to start a food forest and vineyard on 19 acres on the outskirts of Atlanta. The owners of the land want to host weddings and events, and (against my advice and wishes) graded the entire area designated to become a muscadine orchard to level it out. The soil has been compacted considerably.  Any suggestions for starting to heal the damage that has been done? We are planning to add compost and cover crop the entire area, and hold off on planting grapes for now. Suggestions for cover crops for this situation? Any other advice? Thank you.

Thank y'all. I will definitely take your advice.

Hello. I am starting a food forest and organic vineyard on 19 acres on the outskirts of Atlanta, GA. I am looking to cover crop areas for future planting, and am also putting 100 muscadine vines in the ground next week and am looking to try a few different cover crops for the vineyard floor. Any advice on cover crop that would do well in my area when planted in spring, especially options that will not compete with newly planted grape vines? I am considering a field pea, oat, and hairy vetch mix for the future garden areas, but worry that this might be a bit much for around the vines. Clover seems to be a good option, but I am concerned that spring planted clover may not tolerate the hot Georgia summer. Cowpeas are another option that I am considering. I am also planning to use strawberries as ground cover for some of the grapes. Is anyone familiar with warm season cover crops that would thrive in Georgia? Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.