Creating a Food Forest – Step by Step Guide

Hi everyone. I have been writing this post for a long time. After reading Edible Forest Gardens, Creating a Forest Garden, Holistic Orchard and other books I boiled down the info into small actionable steps.

I believe this would be a great resource for anyone just starting out like I am. The basic framework of setting up clear goals>>analasys & assesment>>design>>site preparation>>establishment is still the foundation, but I tried to break down a lot of information from the books into a simple blog post and throw in few of my ideas.

Here is just an outline of the post:

1. What do you want from your food forest?
2. Explore, Sit Quietly and Observe, Analyse
-Explore your local forest so you’ll have an idea what will grow best in your area
-Sit quietly and observe your site
-Do a site survey and make a basic map

3. Design – Create a layout and choose the plants
-Choose a general layout – orchard, woodland, savannah
-Start by outlaying your infrastructure first
-Make a list master list of plants you wish to grow
-Create guilds from your master list of plants
-Do a patch design – define your planting areas and plant spacing

4. Prepare the site
-Adapt your site if necessary
-Shape the earth to your advantage and maximise water retention
-Set up infrastructure and put down irrigation, pathways and fencing
-Build up your soil and improve the soil structure

5. Source the plants and start planting
-Start a nursery or buy plants – your choice
-Phase your project and plant in stages
-Finally put your plants in the ground

You can read the post here

Now, I'm not an expert but if you have any question I would be happy to give you my perspective on things. Let me know here in the thread or send me a PM.

Great post ~ thanks for doing this work. Forest garden is one of my main focuses for our property (20 acres, 45 miles NE of Seattle).

hi William,

nice list

my only comment is on #4
maximize water retention

maybe "optimize" water retention
some places can have too much water

I've been working on my little forest garden in the PNW for 5 years now and have been reading a lot of books as well. I enjoyed your article very much. Thank you for sharing.

I am busy changing my garden (front yard) step by step into a miniature food forest I am sure I can use these tips, thank you William.

duane hennon wrote:

hi William,

nice list

my only comment is on #4
maximize water retention

maybe "optimize" water retention
some places can have too much water

Totally Agree. Thanks!