Tips for a new forest garden

Hi!

Next spring I will start to convert a new plot into a small experimental forest garden. At the moment the area is planted with a green manure (sunflower, perennial rye, buckwheat, phacelia).
I also have cow manure available from September (a sufficient amount to eventually cover all the area).

I know the basic principales of forest gardening, but have no direct practicle experience about It.

Which tips would you give to a complete newby, based on your experience?

Thank you!

Look up resources on syntropic agrofestry. There are principles and patterns that you can adopt to maximise the productivity of a space and the most important one that I've found is the north-south alignment of taller perennials like trees. As long as your ground-level plantings get some direct sunlight in the middle of the day, you can have close spacing and make use of all three dimensions.

PermaDynamics in Northland

Transformation of a playing field in Kenya

Syntropic agroforestry concepts and links

My suggestion would be to take a tour of some local farms and gardens, especially  those created by people who are into permaculture. Try out some new types of fruit and veggies, get seeds or cuttings, ask questions and take notes. It's amazing how you can learn in just  a few hours touring a local farm. Good luck!

I like the idea of a small experimental forest garden.

Plant plants that you like to eat.

We read on the forum about all kinds of new plants though these often turn out to be disappointing.

Best wishes for the forest garden.