A Food Forest in Your Garden: Plan It, Grow It, Cook It

Create your own productive forest gardens, even in cooler climates, with the help of Scottish plant expert Alan Carter's guide "Food Forest in Your Garden". The book provides step-by-step instructions on how to plan and plant a temperate forest garden for any sized plot, including tips on layering root crops, fruit, perennial vegetables, and edible shrubs. It also includes a directory of over 170 plants and fungi suitable for different temperate climates, with growing, harvesting, and cooking tips. The book promotes sustainable gardening practices, such as seed saving and propagation, and incorporates techniques from agro-ecology to help create a self-sufficient garden.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2022
Publisher: Permanent Publications

Discover the enchantment of growing your own seasonal food in a low-maintenance, nature-friendly garden that evokes the serenity of a woodland glade. Join Scottish plant expert Alan Carter as he guides you on a transformative journey to plan and plant a temperate forest garden, regardless of the size of your plot—from a compact terrace garden to a allotment or smallholding. Unleash your creativity and cultivate an edible garden that defies traditional conventions, seamlessly blending root crops, fruit, perennial vegetables, and edible shrubs beneath tree crops. Witness the beauty of a forest garden as it becomes a haven for wildlife, offering nutrient-dense and often unusual food throughout the changing seasons. With minimal effort, you can enjoy the rewards of a thriving and self-sustaining ecosystem.

In this comprehensive and practical guide, Alan takes you on a journey of discovery. He explains the workings of a forest garden, walks you through the process of mapping your climate and designing your own plot, and shares invaluable management techniques such as mulching, weeding, and pruning. Embrace Alan's mantra of "the more you pick, the more you get," and delve into intriguing concepts like the Panda Principle.

The second half of the book is a treasure trove of information, featuring a comprehensive directory of over 170 plants and fungi that thrive in various temperate climates. Each entry is accompanied by detailed growing, harvesting, and cooking tips, drawn from Alan's extensive experience. Discover how to incorporate traditional fruit and vegetable crops, such as strawberries and beans, into your forest garden, while also exploring the world of less familiar crops like shiitake mushrooms and ferns. Integrate techniques from agro-ecology to promote regenerative farming in your backyard, fostering greater self-sufficiency.

Harness useful tips on seed saving and propagation to keep plant costs manageable, and gain insights into soil health, compost, and the management of pests and diseases. Whether you reside in cooler climates or seek to create a thriving forest garden, A Food Forest in Your Garden will be your guiding light. With Alan's expertise and passion, you can transform your garden into a vibrant, productive forest paradise, nurturing both your culinary delights and the delicate balance of nature.

Weight: 814g
Dimension: 246 x 191 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781856232999