Creating a food forest in Georgia is more than just planting a few trees and shrubs—it’s about designing a self-sustaining ecosystem that provides food, supports biodiversity, and enriches the soil.
Georgia’s climate offers a unique opportunity to grow a diverse range of plants, from towering canopy trees to low-growing ground covers. Whether you’re starting a small backyard forest or developing a larger community project, selecting the right plants for each layer is key to success.
Your food forest should contain PERENNIAL plants. That doesn’t mean you can’t ALSO grow annuals, but you should do so outside of your food forest.
There are MANY GREAT CHOICES for your Georgia Food Forest! We’ll walk you through some of our favorites for each layer, ensuring that your space thrives year after year.
Canopy Layer
- Fig (Brown Turkey)
- Peach (Elberta, Georgia Belle, Belle of Georgia)
- Pecan (Soft Shell, Stuart)
- Plum (Santa Rosa & Methley)
For the tall tree Canopy Layer of our Georgia food forest, we’ve selected a range of large fruit and nut trees that provide both abundance and versatility. Fig trees, with their robust growth and ease of harvesting when pruned, offer a steady supply of sweet, nutritious fruit. Peach trees, well-suited to Georgia’s climate, produce juicy and flavorful fruits. Pecan trees contribute a valuable nut crop and enhance the forest’s biodiversity, while plum trees add tangy fruit and grow steadily. These choices enrich the food forest with diverse, high-yield crops and support a balanced, sustainable ecosystem.
Low Tree Layer
- Pomegranate (Wonderful and Granada)
- Olive (Manzanilla)
- Elderberry (careful growing around children)
We’ve chosen pomegranate, olive, and elderberry for our Georgia food forest because they each offer unique benefits and thrive in our climate. Pomegranates provide vibrant, nutrient-rich fruit and are well-suited to Georgia’s heat. The Manzanilla olive is valued for its flavorful, small fruit and adaptability to local conditions. Elderberries, while needing careful consideration around children (because too many eaten raw can be toxic), are prized for their health benefits and the beautiful, fragrant blooms they produce. Together, these low trees enrich our food forest with diverse, sustainable produce.
Shrub Layer
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Serviceberries
- Goji Berries
In our Georgia food forest, we selected blueberries, blackberries, serviceberries, and goji berries for their exceptional adaptability and productivity in our climate. Blueberries offer sweet, nutrient-rich fruit and thrive in acidic soils common in Georgia. Blackberries provide abundant, juicy berries with a high yield and minimal maintenance. Serviceberries, known for their early-season fruit and beautiful white blossoms, enhance both the ecosystem and aesthetic appeal. Goji berries add a unique, healthful touch with their high antioxidant content, thriving in the region’s conditions and extending our harvest season. Together, these berry bushes ensure a diverse and bountiful fruit production, benefiting our food forest and its community.
Herbaceous Layer
- Echinacea (Coneflower)
- Yarrow
- Bee Balm
- Daylilies
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Lavender
- Sage
- Asparagus
- Jerusalem Artichoke (Sunchoke)
- Perennial Kale (Tree Collards)
- Walking Onion (Egyptian Onion)
For the herbaceous layer of your Georgia food forest, we like a diverse mix of plants to provide culinary, medicinal, and ecological benefits. The medicinal plants, Echinacea, Yarrow, and Bee Balm also add vibrant color and attract pollinators. Daylilies are chosen for their beauty and edible parts. Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Lavender, and Sage bring a range of flavors and aromas for cooking and medicinal uses. Asparagus and Jerusalem Artichoke (Sunchoke) are included for their nutritional value and perennial productivity. Perennial Kale (Tree Collards) provides a long-lasting source of leafy greens, and Walking Onion (Egyptian Onion) offers a unique, self-perpetuating onion variety. Together, these plants support biodiversity, enhance soil health, and contribute to a resilient, productive food forest.
Cover Crops Layer
- Cowpeas
- Clover (Crimson)
- Buckwheat
- Strawberries
Each of these cover crop plants contributes uniquely to the ecosystem’s health and productivity. Cowpeas are excellent for enriching the soil with nitrogen, improving fertility and supporting other plants’ growth. Crimson Clover not only adds vibrant color but also acts as a cover crop that enhances soil structure and prevents erosion. Buckwheat is a fast-growing option that attracts beneficial insects and suppresses weeds, further boosting soil health. Finally, Strawberries provide a delicious, perennial fruit that thrives in Georgia’s climate, adding both beauty and a rewarding harvest to your food forest.
Root Layer
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Sweet Potatoes
For the root layer of your food forest, we like potatoes, carrots, and sweet potatoes due to their adaptability and productivity in our climate. Potatoes and sweet potatoes thrive in Georgia’s warm, humid conditions, offering high yields and nutritious, versatile crops. Carrots are well-suited for the cooler seasons and contribute valuable nutrients while also helping to break up the soil, which benefits the overall health of the food forest. Together, these root vegetables enhance soil fertility, provide a diverse range of harvests, and support the ecosystem’s balance.
Vines Layer
- Kiwi
- Concord Grapes
- Hop Vines
For the vines layer of our Georgia food forest, we selected Kiwi, Concord Grapes, and Hop Vines due to their exceptional adaptability and productivity in the region’s climate. Kiwi brings a unique tropical flavor and serves as a hardy, evergreen vine that thrives in Georgia’s moderate winters. Concord Grapes offer a rich, sweet taste and are known for their vigorous growth, making them ideal for maximizing space while providing delicious, nutrient-rich fruit. Hop Vines, used traditionally in brewing, contribute to the ecosystem with their rapid growth and dense foliage, creating natural shade and adding diversity to the plant layers. Together, these vining plants enhance the food forest’s productivity, resilience, and biodiversity.
What About YOUR Food Forest?
Building a Food Forest is a rewarding journey that connects you to nature and provides an abundance of fresh, homegrown produce. By carefully selecting plants that thrive in Georgia’s unique environment, you’re setting the foundation for a resilient and productive ecosystem. From the towering pecan trees to the low-growing strawberries, each layer of your forest garden plays a crucial role in its overall health and productivity. As you cultivate your food forest, remember that it’s a living system—one that will evolve and grow along with you. Happy planting!
