The Food Forest
Food forests or fruit forests are designed to grow food in harmony with nature. They require less maintenance if properly planned and created. They incorporate tropical and subtropical perennial food plants along with nitrogen fixing trees, shrubs etc. A food forest utilizes strategically placed plants in order to provide shade and support for other plants. Trees can be accompanied by passion fruit vines and even seminole pumpkins for example. Vines can grow on trees for support. Leaf litter provides nutrient recycling just as in nature. Over time your food forest provides shade so there is less weeding and less water usage. A food forest can save you money and you can create one practically anywhere you wish!
A food forest is about diversity that offers habitat for birds, insects and a healthy soil food web. Add it all together and it means less or no pesticide use. A healthier more nutritious and sustainable food supply is possible with your food forest.
Food Forest Design Basics
Below is a list of plants and some information on the basics of food forest design and the importance of nitrogen fixing plants. Because sometimes you just want to go at it alone! Good luck and consider giving me a call will you! LOL.. Here to help!!
Fruit Trees
Banana
Musa sp.
Dwarf nam wah, Burro, Puerto Rican Plantain
Citrus & Guava
Citrus
Key Lime, Meyers Lemon
Psidium guajava (Guava)
Ruby Supreme, Pink Guava
Mango (June - Aug)
Mangifera indica
San Felipe (Cuban Mango), Nam Doc Mai (Asian Semi Dwarf), Glenn, Cogshall (Semi Dwarf), Pickering (Semi Dwarf)
Lychee (May - July)
Litchi chinensis
Sweetheart, Ha kip, Brewster, Mauritius
Avocado
Persea americana
Type A: Doni, Simmonds, Catalina, Russell, Bernecker, Haas, Choquette
Type B: Beta Commercial, Miguel, Bacon Like Haas, Brogdon, Monroe, Oro Negro, Catalina
More Fruit Trees
- Papaya: Carica papaya - Red Lady, Solo, TR. Hovey
- Loquat: Eriobotrya japonica - Yehuda, Gold Nugget, Christmas, Vista White, Big Jim
- Carambola: Averrhoa carambola - Sri Kenbangan, Fwang Tung, Bell, Kary
- Sapodilla: Manilkara zapota - Alano, Molix, Morena, Tikal
- Sugar Apple: Annona squamosa - Kampong Mauve, Thai Lessard
- Soursop: Annona muricata (not cold hardy!)
- Miracle Fruit: Synsepalum dulcificum
- Fig Trees: Ficus carica - LSU Purple, Alma, Green Ischia
- Subtropical Peach: Florida Grande, UF Sun, UF Best, Florida Prince, Tropic Beauty
- Red Mombin / Hog Plum: Spondias purpurea (not cold hardy!)
- Mulberry: Pakistani or Black Mulberry
- Jaboticaba: Brazilian Grape Tree - Red Jaboticaba
Nitrogen Fixers (Not edible)
Nitrogen fixers are plants that are able to take nitrogen out of the air via the roots and get them into the soil. Plants nearby can benefit from the nitrogen. The plants are also fast growers and are pruned often to maintain size. The leaves and branches are chopped and returned to the soil. They are spread out as mulch and assist in controlling weeds and maintaining moisture. This is also a great way to recycle nutrients back to the soil.
Trees
Lysiloma bahamensis (Wild Tamarind / Cuban Tamarind) - A Florida Native and noninvasive nitrogen fixer. Fast grower, provides temporary shade, and can be cut down without regrowing from roots.
Sesbania / Gliricidia sepium (aka Nicaraguan cocoa shade, quick-stick, madre de cacao) - Medium sized tree.
Other Nitrogen Fixing Plants
- Pigeon peas (gandules)
- Comfrey - Bocking 14 variety
- Cowpeas
- Peanuts
- Bolivian Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia)
- Fakahatchee Grass
- Sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica & Mimosa strigillosa)
Grasses, Bushes, Vines & Groundcovers
Lemon Grass, African Blue Basil, Katuk, Cassava, Cranberry Hibiscus, Passion Fruit, Blackberry, Muscadine Grape, Boniato, Callaloo, Malabar Spinach, Mint, Okinawa Spinach, Cuban Oregano, Portulaca, Sambar Spinach, Tilo, and more.
Additional Resources
Agromisa is a non-profit based in the Netherlands. They provide information on small scale sustainable farming. Below are some of their excellent publications. They made these available as free downloads on the web.
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* FDA Disclaimer
The products and statements made about specific plants or products on this web site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. All information provided on this web site or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new vitamins, supplements, diet, or exercise program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
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Content Disclosure
Use all information on this site at your own risk.
The content here is based on the publishers personal experience in the green industries.
Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied
The products and statements made about specific plants or products on this web site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. All information provided on this web site or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new vitamins, supplements, diet, or exercise program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
Advertising Disclosure:
Pepesplants.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and also Googles affiliate advertising program. The programs provide a means for web sites to earn revenues from advertising and or sales.
Content Disclosure
Use all information on this site at your own risk.
The content here is based on the publishers personal experience in the green industries.
Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied
Site created and managed by Pepe's Fruit Trees. Copyright 2026 - All Right Reserved
Pepe's Fruit Trees
Local Pickup in Davie, Florida
Phone: 954-740-4070
Email: [email protected]
Site created and managed by Pepe's Fruit Trees. Copyright 2026 - All Right Reserved
Pepe's Fruit Trees
Local Pickup in Davie, Florida
Phone: 954-740-4070
Email: [email protected]