Keith Martin wrote about forest gardening in the latest
Permaculture magazine and i felt a need to expand on his
conclusions. Here is what he concluded:
Keith - Yield is not much better than raised beds.
Maintenance is high.
Lots of edibles that don't taste good.
Many problem plants, blackberries, balm,
garlic mustard, sweet woodruff.
I have to agree that yield can be low and many of the hardy
plants are not that palatable. These problems and all of the
problems Keith mentioned seem to be a function of plant
selection and food preferences. Pick the wrong plant and it
is a lot of work for a poor yield that tastes bad. My
experience says building a forest garden takes time and a lot
of experimentation. Taking a few Permaculture design courses
just isn't enough background for most of us. Also adjustment
of eating habits can be difficult. There are lots of adjustments
and it all takes patience.
Has anyone else attempted a forest garden?
jeff (waited 10 years for a walnut, still waiting)
