Food forest design for Austin, Texas

How to grow edible abundance under the Texas Sun

Author: Steven Kramer – December 5th 2024

What is a Food Forest?

A food forest is a designed ecosystem that mimics the structure and function of a natural forest. Unlike a traditional garden or farm, a food forest integrates plants in multiple layers to create a thriving system that produces food, nurtures biodiversity, and requires minimal human input once established. The seven layers include:

Canopy layer: Tall trees like pecan or mulberry.
Understory trees: Smaller trees, such as loquat or nitrogen-fixing mesquite.
Shrubs: Berry bushes or other fruiting shrubs.
Herbaceous plants: Herbs and vegetables like basil and turmeric.
Ground covers: Creeping plants like sweet potatoes that protect the soil.
Root crops: Edible roots, including ginger or Jerusalem artichoke.
Vines: Climbers like grapes and passionfruit.

Food forests aim to replicate nature’s efficiency, with plants cooperating to create a self-sustaining system. To achieve this independence, scale matters. In the EU, food forests are defined as needing one acre near a natural ecological hub or eight acres in isolated areas. In the US, no such definitions exist, but smaller yards can still adopt food forest principles. However, in smaller spaces, you might need to play a more active role in maintenance to compensate for limited size and potential disturbances.

Romantic vs. Rational Food Forests

Not all food forests are designed for the same purpose, and you can roughly divide two types of food forest; romantic and rational. Some people envision a romantic, lush space where they can stroll, relax, and enjoy the aesthetics of nature. Others may prioritize efficiency, creating a rational food forest designed for easy harvesting, simplified management, and maximum production.

A romantic food forest might include winding paths, benches and diverse species for biodiversity and beauty. A rational food forest focuses on structured planting, grouping species for ease of care or harvest, and selecting high-yield cultivars to ensure steady production. Both approaches are valid but require different planning to achieve their respective goals.

Benefits of a Food Forest

Food forests offer numerous benefits beyond the obvious one: food.

Year-round abundance: By planting a mix of perennial and self-seeding species, you can enjoy a diverse harvest that is spread throughout the year.
Diversity equals resilience: A diverse system ensures that if one crop fails, others will thrive, providing food security.
Low maintenance: Once established, food forests require minimal input compared to vegetable gardens, which demand constant weeding, watering, and replanting.
Soil health: Food forests build living soils rich in microorganisms, reducing the need for fertilizers.
Water conservation: Properly designed food forests retain moisture, reduce runoff, and often require less irrigation.
Wildlife habitat: Food forests attract pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects, creating a balanced ecosystem.
Specialty crops: Grow unique, locally adapted varieties of fruits, nuts, and herbs you won’t find in grocery stores.

Designing a Food Forest in Austin, Texas

Designing a food forest in Austin requires thoughtful planning to navigate the region’s unique climate and geography. Consider these factors:

Soil: East of I-35, soils are often heavier clay, while west of I-35, they’re more calcareous and rocky. These soils require a very different approach to their design and will also need to be amended in different ways.
Water: Use rainwater harvesting systems, swales, and mulching to maximize water efficiency.
Microclimates: Create shade and windbreaks, especially for tender plants.
Wind: Protect plants with strategic barriers.
Temperature: Choose heat-tolerant and drought-adapted species.
Succession planning: Start with pioneer species that improve soil and microclimate conditions, then interplant slower-growing climax species.
Users: Tailor your design to your lifestyle, whether it’s recreational, productive, or a mix.

Besides these basics, there are a lot of other variables to consider. What do you want your food forest to look and feel like? Do you want year-round curb appeal? Or do you prioritise a lush urban hide-out for wildlife looking to escape the sun?

Another often underestimated element of a food forest is making sure that you actually like the fruits that you are going to grow, because if you design and maintain it right, you should end up with far more harvest than you could ever eat by yourself! Luckily there are lots of great online guides that will tell you how to preserve different kinds of foods to store them for a longer period of time.

Permaculture and Food Forest design

Food forest design often employs permaculture principles, a holistic approach to sustainable land use that focuses on working with natural systems. Permaculture emphasizes energy efficiency, soil health, and diversity, making it ideal for food forests.

In my food forest designs for Austin, I always prioritize capturing and storing rainwater in the soil by carefully observing water flow across the terrain and identifying opportunities to connect the food forest to additional water sources, such as roofs, driveways, storm drains, and rain tank overflows. To improve soil fertility and stimulate soil life, I adopt practices tailored to the local context, ensuring the soil remains healthy and vibrant. Moreover, by thoughtfully designing and maintaining the food forest, I aim to create a space that not only supports ecological health but also enhances curb appeal, blending functionality with beauty in an urban setting.

Food forest examples for All Seven Layers

Here are examples of edible food forest plants suited for Austin’s climate:

Canopy trees: Pecan, fig, mulberry
Understory trees: Loquat, jujube, nitrogen-fixing mesquite
Shrubs: Elderberry, pomegranate
Herbs: Lemon balm, oregano, rosemary
Ground covers: Sweet potato, creeping thyme
Roots: Jerusalem artichoke, turmeric
Vines: Grapes, passionfruit

These are just examples; make sure to research specific species and cultivars that suit your soil, water, and sun conditions.

Purchasing Plants

When sourcing your food forest plants in Austin, consider:

Varieties and cultivars: Varieties and Cultivars: For every type of plant—whether it’s a tree, shrub, herb, or groundcover—there are typically numerous varieties and cultivars to choose from. Each option is bred or selected for specific traits, such as improved drought tolerance, pest resistance, ornamental appeal, or yield. For instance, certain trees may thrive in arid conditions, making them ideal for water-conscious landscaping, while others are prized for their ability to resist common pests or produce abundant fruit. Selecting the right variety or cultivar ensures that the plant is well-suited to the intended environment and purpose, enhancing its overall success in the landscape.
Bare root vs. potted plants: Bare root plants are often cheaper and easier to plant but have specific planting seasons. Potted plants offer flexibility but can be more expensive.
Local nurseries: Choose plants adapted to Central Texas conditions to ensure success. The Natural Gardener and Barton Springs Nursery are two great local options. Big box stores also offer all kinds of fruit producing trees, but these are very often not a great fit for the local context, and not grown in a sustainable way for long term success.

Planting Your Food Forest

Planting at the right time is critical in Austin’s climate. Fall and early spring are ideal for most species. For bare root plants, ensure they are planted during dormancy. Amendments should match your soil’s needs; compost and mulch can retain moisture and improve fertility.

Nature’s Blueprint

As mentioned, a food forest is designed to mimic the structure and function of a natural forest. To effectively replicate this, it’s valuable to understand how forests form in the wild, without human intervention.

In nature, forest ecosystems develop gradually, starting with pioneer species that prepare the environment for more complex plant communities. Hardy pioneers such as grasses, weeds, and nitrogen-fixing plants first colonize barren or degraded areas. These plants play a crucial role in stabilizing the soil, improving fertility, and creating the conditions necessary for the next stages of growth. Over time, shrubs and eventually trees establish themselves, forming a stable and self-sustaining ecosystem.

You can replicate this natural succession process when building your food forest:

Start with Pioneer Plants: Use species like legumes, sunflowers, or other fast-growing cover crops. These plants fix nitrogen, add organic matter to the soil, and protect it from erosion, setting the stage for more diverse planting.
Introduce Shrubs and Small Trees: Once the soil has improved and the microclimate begins to stabilize, add fruit-bearing shrubs, hardy perennials, or small trees to create the understory layer. These plants build complexity and support beneficial interactions within the ecosystem.
Plant Climax Species Gradually: Once conditions are optimal, you can introduce climax species—long-lived trees like nut trees or larger fruit trees. These species form the canopy layer, anchoring the forest and providing shade and protection for the layers beneath.
Embrace Weeds as Allies: Rather than seeing weeds as pests, view them as indicators of soil health. Many weeds improve soil fertility, break up compacted layers, and attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Manage them strategically to harness their benefits while maintaining balance.

By following this natural succession, you not only mimic the processes of a wild forest but also create a resilient, low-maintenance system that evolves and improves over time.

Sharing Abundance

Austin’s fruit trees, like figs, mulberries, and peaches, can produce so much fruit that sharing becomes inevitable. Excess harvest can be shared with neighbors, donated to food banks, or turned into preserves. Consider joining a local food swap or cooperative to distribute your bounty.

Work With Me

Whether you want a small backyard food forest, a homestead oasis, or a larger production system, I can help you design and implement your vision. Contact me for consultations, design services, or full installation support.

Start your journey toward growing edible abundance under the Texas sun today!