Food Forest planting the future

- 1. canopy layer :

Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia): Native to the region, provides edible berries and # a habitat for wildlife.

- Apple (Malus domestica): Choose varieties suited to colder climates for fruit production.

- Cherry (Prunus spp.): Cold-hardy varieties for fresh fruit.

- Plum (Prunus spp.): Cold-hardy varieties for fresh fruit.

- Pear (Pyrus spp.): Cold-hardy varieties for fresh fruit.

- Nut trees like hazelnut and walnut for added diversity.

2. Understory Layer (Shrubs and Small Trees):

- Elderberry (Sambucus spp.): Produces edible berries and attracts pollinators.

- Currants (Ribes spp.): Red, black, and white currants for fresh eating and preserves.

- Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa): Thorny shrub with edible berries.

- Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.): Another native option for berries.

- Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides): Fixes nitrogen and produces edible berries.

- Comfrey (Symphytum spp.): Dynamic accumulator, good for mulch and compost.

3. Herbaceous Layer (Perennials and Groundcovers):

- Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum): Hardy perennial for culinary use.

- Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis): Long-lived perennial vegetable.

- Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.): Edible flowers and shoots.

- Egyptian Walking Onion (Allium proliferum): Provides green onions and bulbils.

- Alpine Strawberry (Fragaria vesca): Low-growing perennial for ground cover and fruit.

4. Groundcover Layer:

- Clover (Trifolium spp.): Fixes nitrogen, suppresses weeds, and attracts beneficial insects.

- Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): Fragrant ground cover with edible leaves.

- Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens): Evergreen ground cover with edible berries.

Market Garden (2 acres):

1. Vegetables:

- Tomatoes: Varieties suited to shorter growing seasons.

- Lettuce and Greens: Mixed varieties for continuous harvest.

- Carrots, Beets, and Radishes: Root crops suitable for cooler climates.

- Peas and Beans: Both bush and climbing varieties for variety.

- Kale, Swiss Chard, and Spinach: Cold-hardy greens for extended harvest.

2. Herbs:

- Basil, Cilantro, and Parsley: Culinary herbs for fresh market sales.

- Dill, Thyme, and Sage: Aromatic herbs with culinary and medicinal uses.

- Lavender and Chamomile: Specialty herbs for value-added products like teas and sachets.

3. Fruit:

- Strawberries: High-value crop for fresh market sales.

- Raspberries and Blackberries: Brambles for fresh eating and processing.

- Melons and Pumpkins: Short-season varieties for variety and market appeal.

4. Flowers:

- Sunflowers: Attractive and functional for attracting pollinators.

- Zinnias, Marigolds, and Calendula: Cut flowers for market bouquets.

- Nasturtiums: Edible flowers for culinary use and pest control.

Ensure to rotate crops, practice companion planting, and incorporate organic mulches and compost to improve soil health and fertility in both the food forest and market garden. Also, consider the specific microclimates within each area and adjust plant selections accordingly for optimal growth and productivity.