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Brisket | 1 years ago (raw) | root | parent | reply | flag +3 
 I failed at building my food forest but learned much in the attempt.

One of the biggest lessons was neglecting the role that animals played & their importance. The second was the importance of harnessing & directing the flow of water.

Looking forward to acquiring a new peice of land & making a second attempt.

🧡🤙
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rev.hodl | 1 years ago (raw) | root | parent | reply | flag +2 
 I spent 2 years building soil before I planted the first tree. The soil I was starting with was compacted over farmed soy and corn field.
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Jac | 1 years ago (raw) | root | parent | reply | flag +2 
 Patience is certainly a big part of it. I moved a rock the other day and saw a worm. It made me so happy!
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Jac | 1 years ago (raw) | root | parent | reply | flag +2 
 Animals and insects have been a big challenge here. We have voles and wild pigs. I’m going to try a stinging nettle fence to discourage the swine. The voles evade the cats. They are a real problem.
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Brisket | 1 years ago (raw) | root | parent | reply | flag 
 I think each location has it's own unique set of challenges & opportunities.

I'm in the subtropics so insects (and certain diseases/fungus) have been a big problem of mine too.

I don't have voles here but I have a family of bandicoots that put holes in the ground everywhere. I don't grow many annuals any more, so they aren't too much of an issue. I'm re-establishing my veggie beds though, so that situation may not last. A permie friend suggested that I become comfortable that they're eating my lawn beetles & airrating my soil for me.

A big part of permaculture is turning a problem into a benefit. I have thought of trapping & eating the bandicoots but I'm not that in need of food sources just yet. 😂

My general approach is to grow things that don't require as much attention. Things that have natural resistances to the local insects & fungi. If the plant can't handle the location, I try a different plant. I really don't want to be molly coddling plants that are unsuited to my location.

Good luck 🧡🤙
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Jac | 1 years ago (raw) | root | parent | reply | flag +2 
 I’ve realized many of these same things in my journey. It’s nice to share experiences.