Welcome to FoodForest.me - the upcoming global hub for food forest enthusiasts, permaculture practitioners, and sustainable gardeners who want to share their green vision with the world LOVE.
A food forest (also known as a forest garden) is a sustainable, low-maintenance food production system based on woodland ecosystems. By mimicking natural forest patterns, food forests incorporate multiple layers of edible plants - from canopy trees and shrubs to herbs, vines, ground covers, and root crops - creating a harmonious ecosystem that produces abundant harvests while supporting biodiversity.
Imagine a world where every food forest is connected - where sustainable food production knowledge flows freely between practitioners. Where someone starting their permaculture journey can find inspiration from established food forests in similar climate zones. Where experienced growers can showcase their years of ecological design work.
FoodForest.me aims to become the definitive directory of food forests worldwide - think of it as a specialized network that connects permaculture enthusiasts, homesteaders, community gardens, and professional food forest designers.
Showcase your professional designs, connect with potential clients, and learn from others' implementations. Document your projects and build your permaculture portfolio in one central location.
Share your self-sufficient paradise, connect with like-minded neighbors, and discover which perennial food plants thrive in your specific region. Learn practical techniques from those who have been growing for years.
Promote your community food forest, attract volunteers, advertise events, and connect with supporting organizations. Build a stronger network of community-supported agriculture.
Document your school or university food forest, share your curriculum, and connect students with hands-on learning opportunities in sustainable agriculture and ecological design.
Access real-world data on food forest implementations across different climates and conditions. Study successful polycultures and track long-term ecosystem development.
Food forests represent one of the most promising solutions to multiple global challenges:
By joining FoodForest.me, you'll become part of this growing movement, helping to demonstrate that abundant, regenerative food production is possible anywhere.
Unlike conventional gardens that typically feature annual crops in rows or beds, food forests mimic natural woodland ecosystems with multiple vertical layers of perennial plants. Food forests require less maintenance once established, build soil naturally, and create resilient ecosystems that produce food year after year with minimal inputs.
Food forests can be scaled to any size - from a small urban backyard (100-200 sq ft) to several acres. The principles remain the same regardless of size. Even small spaces can incorporate multiple layers of food-producing plants when designed thoughtfully.
While some plants produce within the first year, a food forest typically takes 3-7 years to become fully established. The tree canopy may take 7-10+ years to reach maturity. However, you'll see increasing yields each year as the system develops and becomes more self-sustaining.
Food forests typically include fruit and nut trees, berry-producing shrubs, perennial vegetables, herbs, edible flowers, climbers/vines, groundcovers, and root crops. The specific plants depend on your climate zone, but there are food forest plants suited to virtually every inhabited region on Earth.
Absolutely! Urban food forests are increasingly popular in cities worldwide. They can be adapted to small yards, community garden plots, or even public spaces. The diversity and beauty of food forests make them attractive additions to urban landscapes while providing food security and environmental benefits.
FoodForest.me is currently under development. Be among the first to create your profile when we launch by joining our waitlist. No commitment required - we just want to gauge interest and keep you updated on our progress.
[Sign-up form coming soon]
Have questions about FoodForest.me or suggestions for features you'd like to see? We'd love to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected]
Stay updated on our development journey and get inspired by amazing food forests around the world:
Creating a successful food forest involves understanding and applying several key permaculture principles:
Before planting, spend time observing your site's unique characteristics - sun patterns, water flow, existing vegetation, and soil conditions. Let the land guide your design.
Design your food forest to capture and store sunlight, water, and nutrients. Use swales, ponds, and organic matter to maximize resource retention.
Include plants that provide quick returns (berries, herbs) alongside long-term investments (nut trees) to maintain motivation and productivity throughout the development process.
Monitor what works and what doesn't. Be willing to adjust your design based on how plants perform and interact in your specific conditions.
Incorporate plants that provide multiple functions - from nitrogen fixation to dynamic accumulation of nutrients, mulch production, and habitat creation.