If you have a large property, it is possible to create a self- sustaining food system that will allow you to harvest naturally grown food all year round. Half a hectare or more is ideal for this form of food production. Food Forests, (or “Forest Gardens”) are a wonderful way to manage the water and soil using natural symbiotic systems where each plant performs at least 3 functions within the food forest, thereby maximising efficiency and resilience of the whole system.
Food Forests have been discovered hidden in valleys of known desert areas that are possibly 3000 years old (ie. perpetual regeneration). This ancient food system is known to produce their own micro-climate, which is why it is possible to create an oasis in a dessert. With the right plants to capture and hold water, protect the area from harsh winds and to drop leaves to form a natural mulch in the dry season, all work together to create the optimum conditions for producing an abundance of food for your family and community.
