How much space do I need for a food forest?

You can start small; we designed a food forest on 700 square feet in Orlando that is loaded with over 40 food and medicine producers. You can yield more in the same square footage as an annual garden by utilizing food forest layers.

How much will a food forest installation cost?

Costs are estimates based on the entire design space. We often phase out installations based on your budget to ensure the successful establishment of thriving edible gardens.

How much does it cost to plant a fruit tree?

Costs depend on tree size (including planting): Small (1-5 gallon) is $130–$330; Medium (6-15 gallon) is $330–$700; Large (15-25 gallon) is $700–$1,800.

How much does it cost to plant berry bushes?

Costs depend on bush size (including planting): Small (1-2 gallon) is $60–$130; Medium (3-5 gallon) is $130–$250.

What is the difference between a traditional garden and a food forest?

A traditional garden is usually composed of annuals that need replanting every year, while a food forest is a multi-layered, perennial system that mimics nature. Once established, it is more resilient and produces food across seven layers.

How does the 'Foodification' process work?

The Foodification process involves assessing your site's unique conditions, designing a layout that utilizes natural principles, and installing a custom, scalable edible landscape that works with your specific climate.

Can I have a food forest in a small backyard?

Yes. We specialize in designing for any scale. By utilizing vertical space and layered planting, we can maximize food production even in modest, suburban backyard footprints.

Do I need to use pesticides or fertilizers in a food forest?

Our goal is to work with nature. By choosing diverse, mutually beneficial plant species and building healthy soil, we aim to eliminate the need for harmful synthetic chemicals and fertilizers.

How do I get started with a design?

The first step is to schedule a consultation. We will discuss your vision, assess your space, and determine the best approach to creating your custom Food Forest Design Blueprint.

When is the best time to plant a food forest in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, the best time to plant is early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in the fall before the ground freezes, allowing roots to establish before the heat of summer.

Transforming Tiny Timbers Agrihood: A Community-Driven Sustainable Gardening Initiative

Introduction to Tiny Timbers Agrihood

The Tiny Timbers Agrihood Community in St. Croix Falls, WI, celebrated its first planting day with great enthusiasm and collaboration. The joint efforts of Food Forest Design Solutions, Tiny Timbers Agrihood, and Permaculture Party were instrumental in bringing this project to life. The primary focus of this initiative is sustainable water management, a crucial element in creating a thriving, flood-resistant community garden.

Innovative Water Management Solutions

Addressing Water Flow Challenges

The Tiny Timbers property is naturally sloped, directing water to a low point initially intended for drainage. However, this design led to flooding in the central community garden area. To combat this, the team designed a swale with a dry stream and a rain garden, featuring water-loving plants. This swale effectively redirects rainwater around the community perimeter, protecting essential structures like the pavilion, greenhouse, children’s play area, maintenance shed, and community garden with raised beds.

Tiny Timbers Agrihood

Benefits of Water-Loving Plants

Plants that thrive in swales offer numerous advantages:

Water Absorption: These plants absorb excess water, mitigating flood risks.
Soil Stabilization: Their roots bind soil particles, preventing erosion.
Water Filtration: They filter pollutants from runoff, enhancing water quality.
Habitat Creation: They provide habitats and food sources for wildlife, supporting biodiversity.
Aesthetic Value: These plants enhance the visual appeal of the landscape.

Progress and Planting Day Activities

Despite recent heavy rains making the inground annual garden too muddy for planting, the volunteers focused on other areas. They managed to plant various water-loving species in the swale, a large Asparagus patch, 150 Strawberry plants, Vining plants along the inner perimeter of the fence line to create a food fence, and a row of blackberry bushes, contributing to the overall functionality and beauty of the landscape. The community enjoyed a productive day, planting what they could and setting the stage for future growth.

The Vision for Tiny Timbers

Future Planting Plans

The design blueprint for Tiny Timbers includes an extensive array of fruit trees, berry bushes, flowers, and other plants. As this food forest matures, Tiny Timbers will transform into a lush, regenerative, productive landscape reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. This agrihood aims to become an educational hub and a model for sustainable living.

Volunteer and Community Engagement

The success of Tiny Timbers relies heavily on the dedication of its volunteers. The planting day was a testament to the community’s commitment to creating a sustainable, beautiful environment. The volunteers’ efforts are crucial in realizing the vision of an abundant, regenerative landscape.

Educational and Community Impact

Tiny Timbers is poised to serve as an educational site, demonstrating permaculture and sustainable living. The community will showcase the benefits of regenerative agriculture, inspiring others to adopt similar practices in their landscapes.

Promoting Biodiversity and Sustainability

The diverse plant list for Tiny Timbers includes species that support local wildlife, promote soil health and enhance the ecosystem’s resilience. By prioritizing biodiversity, the community ensures long-term sustainability and environmental health.

The Tiny Timbers Agrihood Community is a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration, innovative design, and a commitment to sustainability. As the community grows and evolves, it will inspire and educate others, demonstrating the transformative power of regenerative agriculture.

For those interested in learning more about designing a regenerative, food-producing landscape, resources and guidance are available here at Food Forest Design Solutions. Join the movement towards a greener, more sustainable future! To set up a design consultation Contact us Visit the Image Gallery to see the images from Planting day

Comprehensive Plant List

Trees and Shrubs

American Hornbeam
Apple tree
Apricot tree
Arrowwood Viburnum
Blackberry
Blueberry
Cherry tree
Columnar European Hornbeam
Dogwood
Elderberry
Ginkgo
Goji berry
Gooseberry
Grape
Hardy Kiwi
Hazelnut
Honeyberry
Mulberry tree
Pawpaw tree
Peach tree
Pear tree
Plum tree
Serviceberry
Winterberry

Perennial Plants and Herbs

Asparagus
Basil
Bee balm
Black-Eyed Susan
Blazing Star
Blue Flag Iris
Blue Vervain
Bok choy
Buttonbush
Cardinal flower
Catmint
Climbing Rose
Comfrey
Common Camas
Coreopsis
Creeping Phlox
Echinacea
Garlic
Goldenrod
Good King Henry
Joe-Pye-Weed
Lavender
Lovage
Marigold
Nasturtium
New England Aster
Nodding Onion
Rose mallow
Rosemary
Sage
Swamp milkweed
Thyme
Virginia wild rye
Wild bergamot
Wild Geranium
Yarrow

Vegetables and Annuals

Beans
Beet
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrot
Cauliflower
Celery
Corn
Cucumber
Eggplant
Kale
Leeks
Lettuce
Melon
Onion
Parsley
Peas
Peppers
Perennial Allium
Potato
Radish
Ramps
Rhubarb
Sorrel
Spinach
Squash
Strawberry
Sunflower
Switchgrass
Tomato

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Tiny Timbers Agrihood

A new tiny home community in the St. Croix Valley
https://tinytimbersagrihood.com

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What is PermaCulture Party?

A PermaCulture Party is a family-friendly community gathering where we dance, play, and plant the seeds for our abundant future
Fill your yard with a bounty of healthy foods, natural healing herbs, personal care plants, cleaning agents, and natural resources!
https://Permaculture.Party