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DIY improvising:

Jason re-purposed an old trailer frame and old barn tin making water storage for gardening. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is Christina discussing starting over on a new property, 

early steps, to planning a food forest.

-Christina in Georgia

I'm in the process of developing my third space in my lifetime. I know a lot of people on here are asking Where do I start??? Some of the thought process that goes into my land when I develop it is what do I want it to do for me....? Look at the natural resources there and plan everything so it's easy as you age. Which means close to the home..less steps...aging with ease. I put in my infrastructure last Fall, removed the derelict existing structures. Water, septic and power run to where I want my future barn etc...I lived in my camper while doing this and then put up a tiny cabin which took me a few months to build. I am now at the food forest stage...planting out the crops that will feed you passively. I asked AI what I should put in my food forest and it actually did a decent job of providing me the cultivars for my area, natives and even the layered strategy...which is an integral concept. As a Master Gardener (Fl.) I have a ton of resources but this was so easy I had to share it with you all. Maybe those of you looking to build your food forest will find some value:
 
Building a food forest in the Georgia mountains involves selecting plants that thrive in the specific climate and soil conditions of that region. Here's a breakdown of recommended plants for different layers of your food forest:
Canopy Layer (Tall Trees):
  • Fig (Brown Turkey): Known for its easy growth and abundant fruit production.
  • Peach (Elberta, Georgia Belle, Belle of Georgia): These varieties are well-suited to Georgia's climate.
  • Pecan (Soft Shell, Stuart): Contribute a valuable nut crop and enhance biodiversity.
  • Plum (Santa Rosa & Methley): Add tangy fruit and grow steadily.
  • Eastern Persimmon: A native option with fall fruit.
  • Pawpaw: A native shrub or small tree with early fall fruit.
  • Black Cherry: A native tree with small, sharp summer cherries.
 
Low Tree Layer:
Consider planting pomegranates and olives, which are well-suited to Georgia's heat, along with elderberry, serviceberry, and blackhaw viburnum. Elderberry offers health benefits but is toxic when raw.
 
Shrub Layer:
Blueberries, blackberries, serviceberries, goji berries, huckleberries, American hazelnut, beautyberry, and black chokeberry are good choices for the shrub layer.
 
Herbaceous Layer:
A variety of herbs, edible flowers, and perennial vegetables can be included. Some suggestions are echinacea, yarrow, bee balm, daylilies, rosemary, thyme, oregano, lavender, sage, asparagus, Jerusalem artichoke, perennial kale, walking onion, mountain mint, beebalm, wild bergamot, meadow garlic, nodding onion, and violet.
 
Cover Crops Layer:
Enhance soil with cowpeas, crimson clover, buckwheat, and strawberries.
 
Root Layer:
Productive options for the root layer include potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, sunchoke/Jerusalem artichoke, groundnut, and wild sweet potato.
 
Vines Layer:
Consider hardy vines like kiwi, concord grapes, hop vines, muscadine grape, and maypop or purple passionflower.
 
Important Considerations:
When planning your food forest, consider the sunlight needs of each plant and the site's specific conditions, such as soil type, water availability, and slope. Incorporating native plants can support local wildlife, and researching specific varieties suited for the Georgia mountains is recommended. Utilizing permaculture principles like sheet mulching can also improve soil health.
By selecting and layering plants thoughtfully, you can create a diverse and productive food forest in the Georgia mountains.
 
Happy growing, health, thriving and best of all independence! Cheers!