Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the forest garden, a harmonious ecosystem that combines biodiversity and sustainability. This innovative concept, inspired by natural forests, offers a multitude of benefits for the environment and human health.
As you explore the secrets of this cultivation method, discover how to create a self-sufficient green space while promoting the preservation of nature. This article reveals the fundamental principles of the forest garden and its unsuspected advantages, inviting us to rethink our relationship with the earth and adopt practices that are more respectful of our planet.
What is a forest garden?
A forest garden, or food forest, is inspired by forest ecosystems to create a sustainable and productive growing space. This type of garden is based on permaculture principles and is characterized by a multi-storey structure including various plant strata: trees, shrubs, bushes and herbaceous perennials.
The species chosen are mainly local and perennial, adapted to the climatic and soil conditions specific to the region. Visit diversity of cultivated plants aims to provide various services to mankind, such as food production, wood, fodder and medicinal plants.
The benefits of the forest garden
The diversity of crops grown in a forest garden makes it possible to rich and varied food productionincluding fruits, nuts, leafy vegetables and mushrooms. Planting density and the use of different plant strata maximize productivity.
Each plant may produce less individually, but the accumulation of harvests creates an extremely productive space. In addition, the forest garden offers a self-sufficiency in wood for heating and construction.
Its low-maintenance harmonious organization with natureThis is an approach that promotes the soil’s natural fertility and reduces the need for sowing, transplanting and treatments against pests and diseases.
To start a forest garden, an area of a few square metres is required. hundreds of square metres is sufficient. It is possible to start small and gradually expand the cultivated area. The structure of the forest garden can comprise between 3 and 7 plant strata.
The low tree stratum includes fruit treeswhile the shrub layer includes berries and hazelnuts. The lower storey consists of perennial vegetables and herbaceous perennials.
Finally, the vertical stratum is formed by lianas such as the kiwi and vines. This organization allows optimum use of space, both above and below ground, thus promoting increased and diversified productivity.
The ecological benefits of the forest garden
The forest garden not only provides diverse and abundant food production; it also plays a crucial role in the preservation of the environment. From an ecological point of view, this type of garden promotes biodiversity by creating a habitat for a multitude of plant and animal species.
The complex interactions between these species make it possible to maintain a balanced ecosystem and resilient ecosystem. The deep roots of trees and shrubs improve soil structure, increase water retention capacity and prevent erosion. Moreover, by capturing atmospheric carbon, plants help combat climate change.
