{"id":643,"date":"2026-09-25T13:16:54","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T03:16:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com\/?p=643"},"modified":"2026-09-25T14:24:52","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T04:24:52","slug":"layers-of-a-food-forest-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"Layers of a Food Forest"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"643\" class=\"elementor elementor-643\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-58cc56f1 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"58cc56f1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3ecef1f5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3ecef1f5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"\" data-turn-id-container=\"e2bb9983-5041-48cc-8c0a-78b628f94f25\" data-is-intersecting=\"true\">\u00a0<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"emoji\" style=\"font-size: 2em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; background-color: #ffffff;\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f333.svg\" alt=\"\ud83c\udf33\" \/><span style=\"font-size: 2em; font-weight: bold;\"> THE SEVEN LAYERS OF A FOOD FOREST \u2014 GROWING FOOD THE WAY NATURE INTENDED<\/span><\/div><div class=\"\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-6a9bb33c-fadc-83ec-9443-551fd6d4b19e-16\" data-is-intersecting=\"true\"><section class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-6a9bb33c-fadc-83ec-9443-551fd6d4b19e-16\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-6a9bb33c-fadc-83ec-9443-551fd6d4b19e-16\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-44\" data-turn=\"assistant\"><div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-8 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"><div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" data-conversation-screenshot-content=\"\"><div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"><div class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-message-id=\"c200e939-ea7c-4d2a-b6b0-6be7f8908a6e\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\"><div class=\"puik-root not-prose not-markdown\" data-dil-widget-copy-target=\"\" data-theme=\"light\"><div class=\"fv0XaG_DilRenderer fv0XaG_DilResponseRoot w-full max-w-full\" dir=\"auto\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Imagine a garden that produces fruit, nuts, vegetables, herbs and medicinal plants while building healthy soil, supporting wildlife and requiring less maintenance as it matures. This is the concept behind a food forest: a productive ecosystem inspired by the structure of natural woodland.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Unlike conventional agriculture, which often grows a single crop, food forests combine plants of different heights, root systems and growth habits. Each occupies its own ecological niche, helping to capture sunlight, recycle nutrients, conserve moisture and support biodiversity.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">A traditional food forest has seven layers, although some designs recognise an eighth: fungi.<\/p><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-clip=\"true\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><div class=\"BjVYla_Image BjVYla_OverlayBox BjVYla_LoadingFrame\" data-d-component=\"image\"><p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-650 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-1.jpeg\" alt=\"Food Forest\" width=\"1541\" height=\"860\" srcset=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-1.jpeg 1541w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-1-300x167.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-1-1024x571.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-1-768x429.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-1-1536x857.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1541px) 100vw, 1541px\" \/>\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Food forests combine plants of different heights and growth habits into a productive ecosystem.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><h2 class=\"w6asjq_TextBase GgxHUa_Title\" data-d-component=\"title\" data-d-size=\"lg\" data-d-weight=\"semibold\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f333.svg\" alt=\"\ud83c\udf33\" \/> 1. The Canopy Layer \u2014 The Forest&#8217;s Roof<\/h2><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-align=\"start\" data-d-component=\"row\" data-d-direction=\"row\"><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-clip=\"true\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><div class=\"BjVYla_Image BjVYla_OverlayBox BjVYla_LoadingFrame\" data-d-component=\"image\"><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-667 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-2-1.jpeg\" alt=\"food forest\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-2-1.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-2-1-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-2-1-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-2-1-768x432.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p><div class=\"BjVYla_LoadingSurface\"><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box _48e6ya_LoadingBlock\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-component=\"loading-block\" data-d-direction=\"col\" data-d-has-width=\"\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">The canopy consists of the tallest trees, which capture sunlight, create shade, shelter smaller plants and provide habitat for birds and insects.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Depending on climate and available space, suitable trees include mangoes, avocados, jackfruit, macadamias, chestnuts and pecans.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Careful spacing is essential. Too many large trees can eventually shade out productive plants below.<\/p><\/div><\/div><h2 class=\"w6asjq_TextBase GgxHUa_Title\" data-d-component=\"title\" data-d-size=\"lg\" data-d-weight=\"semibold\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f34b.svg\" alt=\"\ud83c\udf4b\" \/> 2. The Understory \u2014 Smaller Fruit Trees<\/h2><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-align=\"start\" data-d-component=\"row\" data-d-direction=\"row\"><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-clip=\"true\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><div class=\"BjVYla_Image BjVYla_OverlayBox BjVYla_LoadingFrame\" data-d-component=\"image\"><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-652 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-3.jpeg\" alt=\"food forest\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-3.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-3-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-3-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-3-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p><div class=\"BjVYla_LoadingSurface\"><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box _48e6ya_LoadingBlock\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-component=\"loading-block\" data-d-direction=\"col\" data-d-has-width=\"\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Beneath the canopy grow smaller fruit trees that tolerate partial shade or occupy sunny gaps.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Citrus, guavas, papayas, dwarf mangoes and selected stone fruits can occupy this layer, depending on local conditions.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Bananas can also contribute to the middle layers, although botanically they are giant herbs rather than trees.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">This layer makes productive use of the space beneath taller trees while increasing the variety of available food.<\/p><\/div><\/div><h2 class=\"w6asjq_TextBase GgxHUa_Title\" data-d-component=\"title\" data-d-size=\"lg\" data-d-weight=\"semibold\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1fad0.svg\" alt=\"\ud83e\uded0\" \/> 3. The Shrub Layer \u2014 Berries and Bush Fruits<\/h2><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-align=\"start\" data-d-component=\"row\" data-d-direction=\"row\"><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-clip=\"true\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><div class=\"BjVYla_Image BjVYla_OverlayBox BjVYla_LoadingFrame\" data-d-component=\"image\"><div class=\"BjVYla_LoadingSurface\"><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box _48e6ya_LoadingBlock\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-component=\"loading-block\" data-d-direction=\"col\" data-d-has-width=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-653 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-4.jpeg\" alt=\"Food Forest layers\" width=\"823\" height=\"1095\" srcset=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-4.jpeg 823w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-4-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-4-770x1024.jpeg 770w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-4-768x1022.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 823px) 100vw, 823px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">The shrub layer consists of smaller woody plants growing between and beneath trees.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Blueberries, raspberries, currants, coffee plants and suitable native bush-food shrubs can provide fruit and habitat for beneficial insects.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Choose varieties adapted to your climate and soil. Blueberries, for example, require considerably more acidic soil than most vegetables.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Shrubs can also provide shelter for small birds that help control insect pests.<\/p><\/div><\/div><h2 class=\"w6asjq_TextBase GgxHUa_Title\" data-d-component=\"title\" data-d-size=\"lg\" data-d-weight=\"semibold\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f33f.svg\" alt=\"\ud83c\udf3f\" \/> 4. The Herbaceous Layer \u2014 Vegetables and Herbs<\/h2><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-align=\"start\" data-d-component=\"row\" data-d-direction=\"row\"><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-clip=\"true\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><div class=\"BjVYla_Image BjVYla_OverlayBox BjVYla_LoadingFrame\" data-d-component=\"image\"><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-654 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-5.jpeg\" alt=\"Food Forest layers\" width=\"1400\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-5.jpeg 1400w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-5-300x171.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-5-1024x585.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-5-768x439.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><\/p><div class=\"BjVYla_LoadingSurface\"><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box _48e6ya_LoadingBlock\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-component=\"loading-block\" data-d-direction=\"col\" data-d-has-width=\"\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">This layer includes non-woody plants that die back seasonally or regenerate from their roots.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Suitable plants include perennial kale, asparagus, comfrey, lemongrass, turmeric, ginger, mint and culinary herbs.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Flowering herbs such as basil, coriander and dill can attract pollinators and beneficial predatory insects.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Comfrey can be grown as a mulch-producing plant. Its leaves decompose and return nutrients to the soil.<\/p><\/div><\/div><h2 class=\"w6asjq_TextBase GgxHUa_Title\" data-d-component=\"title\" data-d-size=\"lg\" data-d-weight=\"semibold\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f353.svg\" alt=\"\ud83c\udf53\" \/> 5. The Groundcover Layer \u2014 Nature&#8217;s Living Mulch<\/h2><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-align=\"start\" data-d-component=\"row\" data-d-direction=\"row\"><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-clip=\"true\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><div class=\"BjVYla_Image BjVYla_OverlayBox BjVYla_LoadingFrame\" data-d-component=\"image\"><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-656 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-6.jpeg\" alt=\"Food Forest layers\" width=\"528\" height=\"528\" srcset=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-6.jpeg 528w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-6-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-6-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 528px) 100vw, 528px\" \/><\/p><div class=\"BjVYla_LoadingSurface\"><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box _48e6ya_LoadingBlock\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-component=\"loading-block\" data-d-direction=\"col\" data-d-has-width=\"\"><span style=\"font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;\">Groundcovers spread horizontally, protecting exposed soil from intense sunlight, heavy rain and erosion.<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Strawberries, sweet potato vines, nasturtiums, creeping thyme and suitable perennial greens can create productive living carpets.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Groundcovers reduce evaporation, suppress many weeds and provide habitat for soil organisms.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Choose species carefully because vigorous groundcovers can compete with young trees for water and nutrients.<\/p><\/div><\/div><h2 class=\"w6asjq_TextBase GgxHUa_Title\" data-d-component=\"title\" data-d-size=\"lg\" data-d-weight=\"semibold\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f955.svg\" alt=\"\ud83e\udd55\" \/> 6. The Root Layer \u2014 Underground Productivity<\/h2><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-align=\"start\" data-d-component=\"row\" data-d-direction=\"row\"><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-clip=\"true\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><div class=\"BjVYla_Image BjVYla_OverlayBox BjVYla_LoadingFrame\" data-d-component=\"image\"><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-657 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-7.jpeg\" alt=\"Food Forest layers\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-7.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-7-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-7-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p><div class=\"BjVYla_LoadingSurface\"><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box _48e6ya_LoadingBlock\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-component=\"loading-block\" data-d-direction=\"col\" data-d-has-width=\"\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Below the surface lies another productive layer: edible roots, tubers, bulbs and rhizomes.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Sweet potatoes, yams, taro, ginger, turmeric, garlic and Jerusalem artichokes can contribute to this layer.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Different rooting depths help plants exploit different parts of the soil profile.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">However, digging up root crops can disturb neighbouring tree roots. Position frequently harvested crops where they can be accessed without damaging established plants.<\/p><\/div><\/div><h2 class=\"w6asjq_TextBase GgxHUa_Title\" data-d-component=\"title\" data-d-size=\"lg\" data-d-weight=\"semibold\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f347.svg\" alt=\"\ud83c\udf47\" \/> 7. The Vertical Layer \u2014 Climbers and Vines<\/h2><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-align=\"start\" data-d-component=\"row\" data-d-direction=\"row\"><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-clip=\"true\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><div class=\"BjVYla_Image BjVYla_OverlayBox BjVYla_LoadingFrame\" data-d-component=\"image\"><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-658 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-8.jpeg\" alt=\"Food forests combine plants of different heights and growth habits into a productive ecosystem.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-8.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-8-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-8-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-8-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p><div class=\"BjVYla_LoadingSurface\"><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box _48e6ya_LoadingBlock\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-component=\"loading-block\" data-d-direction=\"col\" data-d-has-width=\"\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Climbing plants make use of vertical space, producing additional food without requiring extensive ground area.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Passionfruit, grapes, climbing beans, choko and selected edible vines can grow over trellises, pergolas or appropriate living supports.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Vertical growing increases productivity in small spaces, but vigorous vines require management.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Avoid allowing heavy climbers to overwhelm young trees or smother productive branches.<\/p><\/div><\/div><h2 class=\"w6asjq_TextBase GgxHUa_Title\" data-d-component=\"title\" data-d-size=\"lg\" data-d-weight=\"semibold\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f344.svg\" alt=\"\ud83c\udf44\" \/> 8. The Fungal Layer \u2014 The Underground Network<\/h2><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-align=\"start\" data-d-component=\"row\" data-d-direction=\"row\"><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-clip=\"true\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><div class=\"BjVYla_Image BjVYla_OverlayBox BjVYla_LoadingFrame\" data-d-component=\"image\"><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-659 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-9.jpeg\" alt=\"Food forest fungi\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1653\" srcset=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-9.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-9-300x242.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-9-1024x827.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-9-768x620.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-Forest-9-1536x1240.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/p><div class=\"BjVYla_LoadingSurface\"><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box _48e6ya_LoadingBlock\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-component=\"loading-block\" data-d-direction=\"col\" data-d-has-width=\"\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-auto-spacing=\"\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Often recognised as an additional layer, fungi perform essential ecological functions throughout the food forest.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Decomposer fungi break down fallen leaves, branches and woody material, recycling nutrients into the soil.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Mycorrhizal fungi form beneficial relationships with many plant roots, helping them obtain water and nutrients.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Edible mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms and shiitake can also be cultivated on suitable logs or prepared growing substrates.<\/p><\/div><\/div><h2 class=\"w6asjq_TextBase GgxHUa_Title\" data-d-component=\"title\" data-d-size=\"lg\" data-d-weight=\"semibold\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f331.svg\" alt=\"\ud83c\udf31\" \/> How to establish your food forest<\/h2><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">A productive food forest develops gradually. Planting every layer at once without considering sunlight, water and future tree size can create overcrowding.<\/p><div class=\"oIb9lq_Box\" data-d-component=\"box\" data-d-direction=\"col\"><h1 class=\"w6asjq_TextBase GgxHUa_Title\" data-d-component=\"title\" data-d-size=\"xl\" data-d-weight=\"semibold\">Five stages of establishment<\/h1><ol class=\"PSWZZq_List\" data-d-component=\"list\" data-d-connector=\"solid\" data-d-marker=\"number\" data-d-marker-layout=\"custom\"><li class=\"PSWZZq_Item\" data-d-component=\"list-item\" data-d-connector=\"solid\" data-d-marker=\"number\" data-d-marker-layout=\"custom\"><div class=\"PSWZZq_Content\"><div class=\"PSWZZq_Label\"><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-default-strong=\"\" data-d-inline=\"\">Observe and design.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Study sunlight, rainfall, drainage, prevailing winds and soil conditions. Plan around the mature size of your largest trees.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"PSWZZq_Item\" data-d-component=\"list-item\" data-d-connector=\"solid\" data-d-marker=\"number\" data-d-marker-layout=\"custom\"><div class=\"PSWZZq_Content\"><div class=\"PSWZZq_Label\"><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-default-strong=\"\" data-d-inline=\"\">Build healthy soil.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Apply compost, organic mulch and suitable soil amendments based on soil testing. Protect existing soil organisms and minimise unnecessary disturbance.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"PSWZZq_Item\" data-d-component=\"list-item\" data-d-connector=\"solid\" data-d-marker=\"number\" data-d-marker-layout=\"custom\"><div class=\"PSWZZq_Content\"><div class=\"PSWZZq_Label\"><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-default-strong=\"\" data-d-inline=\"\">Establish the trees.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Plant canopy and understory species with adequate spacing. Provide irrigation, mulch and wind protection while they establish.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"PSWZZq_Item\" data-d-component=\"list-item\" data-d-connector=\"solid\" data-d-marker=\"number\" data-d-marker-layout=\"custom\"><div class=\"PSWZZq_Content\"><div class=\"PSWZZq_Label\"><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-default-strong=\"\" data-d-inline=\"\">Introduce the lower layers.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Gradually add shrubs, herbs, groundcovers, root crops and climbing plants as growing conditions develop.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"PSWZZq_Item\" data-d-component=\"list-item\" data-d-connector=\"solid\" data-d-marker=\"number\" data-d-marker-layout=\"custom\"><div class=\"PSWZZq_Content\"><div class=\"PSWZZq_Label\"><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-default-strong=\"\" data-d-inline=\"\">Manage the developing ecosystem.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Prune for sunlight and airflow, replenish mulch, monitor pests and diseases, and adjust plant combinations as the forest matures.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ol><\/div><h2 class=\"w6asjq_TextBase GgxHUa_Title\" data-d-component=\"title\" data-d-size=\"lg\" data-d-weight=\"semibold\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f49a.svg\" alt=\"\ud83d\udc9a\" \/> Why food forests matter<\/h2><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">A well-designed food forest can provide diverse harvests while protecting soil, conserving moisture and creating habitat for wildlife. Perennial crops reduce the need for repeated cultivation, and fallen organic matter helps recycle nutrients.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">Food forests can also improve resilience by diversifying production. If one crop fails because of pests, disease or unusual weather, other crops may continue producing.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\">They are not maintenance-free, however. Successful food forests require thoughtful design, careful species selection and ongoing management, particularly during establishment.<\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-default-strong=\"\" data-d-inline=\"\">The goal isn&#8217;t simply to grow more plants. It&#8217;s to create a community of plants that work together, transforming sunlight, water and living soil into abundant food while supporting the wider ecosystem.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f30d.svg\" alt=\"\ud83c\udf0d\" \/> Grow diversity. Protect the soil. Feed people and wildlife. Build a food forest for the future<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a0 THE SEVEN LAYERS OF A FOOD FOREST \u2014 GROWING FOOD THE WAY NATURE INTENDED Imagine a garden that produces [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"page_builder":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-643","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-food-forest"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Layers of a Food Forest - Organic Consumers Association of Australia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"THE SEVEN LAYERS OF A FOOD FOREST \u2014 GROWING FOOD THE WAY NATURE INTENDED\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Layers of a Food Forest - Organic Consumers Association of Australia\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"THE SEVEN LAYERS OF A FOOD FOREST \u2014 GROWING FOOD THE WAY NATURE INTENDED\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Organic Consumers Association of Australia\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-09-25T03:16:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-09-25T04:24:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f333.svg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/25\\\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/25\\\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"admin\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/e82e5c230f1e717d71cfee44cc7a821f\"},\"headline\":\"Layers of a Food Forest\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-09-25T03:16:54+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-09-25T04:24:52+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/25\\\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":924,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/25\\\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/s.w.org\\\/images\\\/core\\\/emoji\\\/17.0.2\\\/svg\\\/1f333.svg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Food Forest\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/25\\\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/25\\\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/25\\\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\\\/\",\"name\":\"Layers of a Food Forest - Organic Consumers Association of Australia\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/25\\\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/25\\\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/s.w.org\\\/images\\\/core\\\/emoji\\\/17.0.2\\\/svg\\\/1f333.svg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-09-25T03:16:54+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-09-25T04:24:52+00:00\",\"description\":\"THE SEVEN LAYERS OF A FOOD FOREST \u2014 GROWING FOOD THE WAY NATURE INTENDED\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/25\\\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/25\\\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/25\\\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/s.w.org\\\/images\\\/core\\\/emoji\\\/17.0.2\\\/svg\\\/1f333.svg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/s.w.org\\\/images\\\/core\\\/emoji\\\/17.0.2\\\/svg\\\/1f333.svg\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/25\\\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Layers of a Food Forest\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/\",\"name\":\"Organic Consumers Association of Australia\",\"description\":\"The official website of the Organic Consumers Association of Australia\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Organic Consumers Association of Australia\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/cropped-OCAA_Logo_V-sm.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/cropped-OCAA_Logo_V-sm.png\",\"width\":199,\"height\":200,\"caption\":\"Organic Consumers Association of Australia\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/e82e5c230f1e717d71cfee44cc7a821f\",\"name\":\"admin\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/d0380e89ae344f088e699aaee4b19138a6eed27c5e5f9881258b4a2fa8b17205?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/d0380e89ae344f088e699aaee4b19138a6eed27c5e5f9881258b4a2fa8b17205?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/d0380e89ae344f088e699aaee4b19138a6eed27c5e5f9881258b4a2fa8b17205?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"admin\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/organic-consumers.com.au\\\/index.php\\\/author\\\/organicconsumers\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Layers of a Food Forest - Organic Consumers Association of Australia","description":"THE SEVEN LAYERS OF A FOOD FOREST \u2014 GROWING FOOD THE WAY NATURE INTENDED","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Layers of a Food Forest - Organic Consumers Association of Australia","og_description":"THE SEVEN LAYERS OF A FOOD FOREST \u2014 GROWING FOOD THE WAY NATURE INTENDED","og_url":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/","og_site_name":"Organic Consumers Association of Australia","article_published_time":"2026-09-25T03:16:54+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-09-25T04:24:52+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f333.svg","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"author":"admin","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"admin","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/"},"author":{"name":"admin","@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/#\/schema\/person\/e82e5c230f1e717d71cfee44cc7a821f"},"headline":"Layers of a Food Forest","datePublished":"2026-09-25T03:16:54+00:00","dateModified":"2026-09-25T04:24:52+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/"},"wordCount":924,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f333.svg","articleSection":["Food Forest"],"inLanguage":"en-AU","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/","url":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/","name":"Layers of a Food Forest - Organic Consumers Association of Australia","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f333.svg","datePublished":"2026-09-25T03:16:54+00:00","dateModified":"2026-09-25T04:24:52+00:00","description":"THE SEVEN LAYERS OF A FOOD FOREST \u2014 GROWING FOOD THE WAY NATURE INTENDED","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-AU","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f333.svg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f333.svg"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/09\/25\/layers-of-a-food-forest-garden\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Layers of a Food Forest"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/#website","url":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/","name":"Organic Consumers Association of Australia","description":"The official website of the Organic Consumers Association of Australia","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-AU"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/#organization","name":"Organic Consumers Association of Australia","url":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cropped-OCAA_Logo_V-sm.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cropped-OCAA_Logo_V-sm.png","width":199,"height":200,"caption":"Organic Consumers Association of Australia"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/#\/schema\/person\/e82e5c230f1e717d71cfee44cc7a821f","name":"admin","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d0380e89ae344f088e699aaee4b19138a6eed27c5e5f9881258b4a2fa8b17205?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d0380e89ae344f088e699aaee4b19138a6eed27c5e5f9881258b4a2fa8b17205?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d0380e89ae344f088e699aaee4b19138a6eed27c5e5f9881258b4a2fa8b17205?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"admin"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au"],"url":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/author\/organicconsumers\/"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/643","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=643"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/643\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":670,"href":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/643\/revisions\/670"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=643"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=643"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/organic-consumers.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=643"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}