Page 11 - Organic Gardening 3 Part Series

pesticides, or outside resources. Plants thrive as a result of this synergy.

The process is very similar to planning any backyard vegetable garden. You'll do
all the same preparation which we discussed earlier. The main difference is in the
layering which is typical of food forests.

The typical layout looks like this:

1. The first layer is a tall fruit tree which can eventually support a vining plant.
2. The next layer is a smaller tree which can provide shade for vegetables
which are heat intolerant or need some shade.
3. Shrubs are usually planted next and fill in bare areas.
4. Vegetables and herbs are used as groundcover.

Using your lawn increases the space you have available for growing food, and it
can be done in a way which enhances your curb appeal.

Container Gardens

Not everyone has a lawn or even a backyard. Or perhaps they want to try their
hand at a smaller organic garden. But that doesn't mean that they're out of luck.
There's a simple solution which provides the same benefits as raised beds: a
container garden.

Decks or patios can be filled with a variety of pots, tubs, and window boxes in
which to grow everything from strawberries to tomatoes. In fact, the only limit to
the types of containers you can

use is your imagination!

Another big advantage of

container gardens is that they
are portable, you can move them
in and out of the sun as needed,
and you can even take them with
you if you move.