[spud]

Great pics tnx .... I have the chance of starting a small forest garden, but it is very shaded by larger trees, mainly on the north side ... I'd really appreciate some ideas as to what to plant!  I will be starting soon with a few deep beds just to keep me in fresh veggies, I will of course plant some out among the beech and pine trees to see what happens.

Loved that visit round Martins Forest garden.

Cheers

 

[savbo]

at least 2 plots on our site are managed using forest garden principles, always interesting to have a peek at...

[Zippy]

That sort of planting would not be permitted on allotments unfortunately and would not provide all the fruit and veg for the family, just a small part.

I'm not sure how you mean Aunt Sally. I have just put in an Apple tree and a Damson tree and have underplanted with 40 rasperries, 2 gooseberries, 4 recurrants and a couple of blackberry and tayberry plants and plan this year to underplant with annual plants, especially shade lovers like lettuce etc. I've not been told I can't grow like this.

Do you mean the shear number of fruit trees the post above mentions?

[mumofstig]

a lot of allotments will not allow the planting of any fruit trees, so to plant at forest density would be a no no.
As Aunty said good idea to try if it is your own land

[Zippy]

On our allotments there are full height Leylandii, Laurels and various other "ne'r do wells" on various plots so I don't think they could be in a position to tell people they couldn't plant fruit trees; even at forest density.

I quite like the three layer density approach, bearing in mind you have to mulch and feed well to keep up nutrients. I'll be doing it in my fruit section this year.

[Aunt Sally]

Lots of basic information here

http://www.edibleforestgardens.com/about_gardening

[Zippy]

Thanks Aunt Sally- that link made me feel all warm and glowy inside.