Growing Edible Perennials for Food Forest Gardens

A food forest garden is a sustainable and low-maintenance way to grow a variety of edible plants while mimicking the natural ecosystems of a forest. By focusing on edible perennials—plants that return year after year—you can create a thriving, resilient garden that provides a continuous harvest with minimal effort.

Edible perennials like fruit trees, berry bushes, herbs, and ground covers not only produce food but also improve soil health, support pollinators, and build a self-sustaining ecosystem. This guide will introduce you to the best edible perennials for food forests and provide tips for planting, maintaining, and harvesting them.

1. What is a Food Forest Garden?

A food forest is a garden designed to mimic the structure and function of a natural forest while growing edible plants. It is built in layers:

1. Canopy Layer: Tall trees, often fruit or nut-producing.
2. Understory Layer: Smaller trees like dwarf fruit trees.
3. Shrub Layer: Berry bushes and smaller perennial plants.
4. Herbaceous Layer: Edible herbs and ground covers.
5. Ground Cover Layer: Low-lying plants that suppress weeds and retain moisture.
6. Root Layer: Edible roots, tubers, and fungi.
7. Vertical Layer: Climbing plants and vines.

This layered system maximizes space, enhances biodiversity, and reduces the need for human intervention.

2. Benefits of Growing Edible Perennials

Planting perennials in food forests has numerous advantages:

• Low Maintenance: Perennials grow back year after year, reducing the need for replanting.
• Sustainable: Perennials improve soil structure and reduce erosion.
• Resilient: These plants are often hardy and can thrive in changing conditions.
• Cost-Effective: A one-time investment yields food for years to come.
• Biodiversity: Supports pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects, creating a balanced ecosystem.

3. Best Edible Perennials for Food Forests

Here are some of the top edible perennials to include in your food forest, organized by layer:

Canopy Layer: Fruit and Nut Trees

1. Apple Trees (Malus domestica)

• Why Grow It: Apples are versatile, long-lived, and produce abundant fruit.
• Growing Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Prune annually for health and productivity.

2. Chestnut Trees (Castanea spp.)

• Why Grow It: Chestnuts produce nutrient-rich nuts and provide shade for smaller plants.
• Growing Tips: Choose disease-resistant varieties and plant in deep, fertile soil.

3. Mulberry Trees (Morus spp.)

• Why Grow It: Fast-growing trees with sweet, juicy berries loved by people and wildlife.
• Growing Tips: Tolerant of various soils; prefer full sun.

Understory Layer: Smaller Fruit Trees

1. Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

• Why Grow It: Produces creamy, tropical-flavored fruit perfect for temperate climates.
• Growing Tips: Plant in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.

2. Fig Trees (Ficus carica)

• Why Grow It: Figs are sweet, nutritious, and grow well in warm, sunny areas.
• Growing Tips: Plant in full sun and mulch to retain moisture.

3. Dwarf Citrus Trees

• Why Grow It: Compact trees that produce lemons, limes, or oranges.
• Growing Tips: Best in warmer climates; grow in pots if temperatures dip below freezing.

Shrub Layer: Berry Bushes

1. Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.)

• Why Grow It: Nutrient-packed berries with vibrant foliage.
• Growing Tips: Plant in acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5) and ensure regular watering.

2. Currants (Ribes spp.)

• Why Grow It: Tart, flavorful berries that grow in partial shade.
• Growing Tips: Space bushes 3–4 feet apart in well-drained soil.

3. Gooseberries (Ribes uva-crispa)

• Why Grow It: Hardy, productive bushes producing tart, versatile fruit.
• Growing Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-drained soil.

Herbaceous Layer: Perennial Herbs

1. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

• Why Grow It: A nutrient-accumulator that improves soil while providing medicinal leaves.
• Growing Tips: Plant in partial shade; it thrives even in poor soil.

2. Lovage (Levisticum officinale)

• Why Grow It: Tastes like celery and can flavor soups, stews, and salads.
• Growing Tips: Grows best in full sun with rich, moist soil.

3. Mint (Mentha spp.)

• Why Grow It: Perfect for teas, culinary uses, and pollinator support.
• Growing Tips: Grow in containers to prevent aggressive spreading.

Ground Cover Layer: Weed-Suppressing Edibles

1. Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa)

• Why Grow It: Produces sweet fruit while suppressing weeds.
• Growing Tips: Plant in full sun and mulch around plants to retain moisture.

2. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

• Why Grow It: A fragrant ground cover that’s both edible and beautiful.
• Growing Tips: Prefers well-drained soil and thrives in full sun.

3. Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum)

• Why Grow It: Offers flavorful leaves that are perfect for pestos and soups.
• Growing Tips: Thrives in partial shade and moist soil.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Your Food Forest Garden

Building a food forest garden requires careful planning and layering. Follow these steps to ensure success:

Step 1: Plan Your Food Forest Layers

• Sketch Your Layout: Design your food forest on paper, mapping out where each layer will go. Place larger trees (canopy) first, then position smaller trees, shrubs, and ground covers.
• Account for Sunlight: Taller plants should be placed to the north or west to avoid shading smaller plants.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive food forest.

• Test Your Soil: Check pH and nutrient levels to determine which amendments are needed.
• Build Soil Health: Add compost, aged manure, or mulch to enrich the soil and improve moisture retention.
• Sheet Mulching: If starting on grass or poor soil, use sheet mulching (cardboard topped with compost and wood chips) to suppress weeds and create a fertile growing medium.

Step 3: Plant the Canopy and Understory Layers

• Start by planting fruit or nut trees (e.g., apple, chestnut, mulberry) in well-spaced rows. Leave 15–20 feet between canopy trees.
• Next, plant smaller trees (e.g., pawpaw, fig) in the gaps between the larger trees. These create the understory layer and thrive in partial shade.
• Water thoroughly after planting and add a 3–4 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture.

Step 4: Add Shrubs, Herbs, and Ground Covers

• Shrub Layer: Plant berry bushes like blueberries, currants, and gooseberries around the drip line of trees. Space them 3–4 feet apart.
• Herbaceous Layer: Add nitrogen-fixing plants like comfrey and lovage to feed the soil and support other plants.
• Ground Cover: Fill in gaps with strawberries, creeping thyme, or wild garlic to suppress weeds and protect the soil.

Step 5: Introduce Companion Plants and Pollinator Support

• Integrate companion plants like mint, chives, or nasturtiums, which deter pests and attract pollinators.
• Plant wildflowers and native species to increase biodiversity and support bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Step 6: Water and Maintain

• Watering: Newly planted perennials need consistent watering until established. Afterward, they require minimal irrigation.
• Mulching: Renew mulch annually to suppress weeds and maintain soil health.
• Pruning: Prune fruit trees and berry bushes annually to encourage productivity and airflow.

5. Companion Planting for a Thriving Food Forest

Companion planting is the practice of growing mutually beneficial plants together. In food forests, this technique enhances growth, repels pests, and improves soil fertility. Here are some examples:

1. Nitrogen Fixers

Plants like comfrey, clover, and peas enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, a vital nutrient for plant growth.

• Pair With: Fruit trees, berry bushes, and leafy perennials.

2. Pest Repellers

Strong-scented plants like chives, mint, and garlic deter pests naturally.

• Pair With: Strawberries, blueberries, and fruit trees to protect against aphids and caterpillars.

3. Pollinator Attractors

Flowers such as borage, calendula, and yarrow attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.

• Pair With: Any fruiting plants or vegetables that rely on pollinators.

4. Dynamic Accumulators

Plants like comfrey and nettles mine nutrients from deep in the soil and bring them to the surface.

• Pair With: Fruit trees and shrubs to act as natural fertilizers.

5. Ground Cover Protectors

Creeping plants like wild garlic, strawberries, and thyme protect soil from erosion and suppress weeds.

• Pair With: Understory plants and small shrubs for full coverage.

6. Long-Term Maintenance for Your Food Forest

Once your food forest garden is established, it requires minimal upkeep. Here are key maintenance tips:

1. Add Mulch Regularly: Top up mulch annually to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and feed the soil.
2. Prune Strategically: Prune trees and shrubs to remove dead wood and encourage healthy growth.
3. Rotate Harvests: Harvest regularly to prevent plants from becoming overgrown and unproductive.
4. Enrich Soil Naturally: Leave leaf litter, branches, and organic matter in place to decompose and feed the soil.
5. Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Encourage beneficial insects and birds to manage pests naturally.

7. Conclusion: Start Your Sustainable Food Forest Today

Designing and planting a food forest garden with edible perennials is an excellent way to create a sustainable, low-maintenance ecosystem that provides food year after year. By including layers of plants like fruit trees, berry shrubs, perennial herbs, and ground covers, you’ll maximize space and production while supporting biodiversity.

To recap:

1. Plan Your Layers: Start with canopy trees and work downward to ground covers.
2. Choose Edible Perennials: Include hardy plants like apples, blueberries, comfrey, and strawberries.
3. Practice Companion Planting: Use dynamic accumulators, pest repellents, and pollinator attractors for a thriving ecosystem.
4. Maintain Naturally: Prune, mulch, and monitor for long-term success.

With proper planning and care, a food forest will not only feed your family but also create a rich, thriving ecosystem that lasts for decades.

Ready to get started? Begin planting today and watch your food forest grow into a bountiful, self-sustaining garden! 🌱🌳✨

For further reading and resources, check out:

• Permaculture Research Institute: Food Forest Basics
• The Old Farmer’s Almanac: Growing Perennials
• Gardening Know How: Companion Planting Guide

Related Articles

• Growing Edible Perennials for Food Forest Gardens
• Designing a Tea and Cocktail Garden for Entertaining
• How to Grow Edible Mushrooms in Raised Beds or Wood Chips
• Edible Weeds: Turn Your “Garden Pests” Into a Meal
• Growing Edible Vines: From Passionfruit to Akebia

More from This Category

• Creating a Medicinal Herb and Edible Flower Garden
• How to Grow Edible Roots You’ve Never Heard Of
• Uncommon Berries You Can Grow at Home
• Growing Edible Aquatic Plants in Backyard Ponds
• Cultivating a Perennial Edible Garden: Low-Maintenance Crops for Years of Harvest

Additional Resources

• How to Grow Edible Cacti and Succulents
• Growing a Salad Garden in Small Spaces
• How to Grow Edible Mushrooms in Your Backyard
• The Benefits of a Tea Garden: Growing Herbs for Your Own Teas
• 10 Uncommon Vegetables You Can Easily Grow at Home
• Edible Flowers: How to Grow and Use Them in Your Garden