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

The concept of a forest garden is one that mimics a natural woodland garden where an array of different plants intermingle harmoniously, thus supplying the needed nutrients they need to thrive without artificial intervention. In his garden in Aberdeen, Scotland, Carter has focused on food crops that can be successful in a cooler climate. His 200-square-meter garden is filled with trees, shrubs, and perennials that can provide food and promote wildlife. In this comprehensive book, he shows how anyone can accomplish this regardless of size or climate. The first section of the book deals with the how-to of analyzing your soil, implementing a design, and selecting plants. Carter also focuses on which plants provide natural fertility and act as nitrogen fixers as well as cautioning against the use of weedy plants. Once the garden is in place, maintenance factors such as composting, fertilizing, weeding, pruning, and dealing with pests and diseases are covered. The remainder of the book is a directory of trees, shrubs, and vines as well as sections on plants that perform in either sun or shade. The book also includes cooking techniques and recipes for making fruit wine and candying stems.