Stacking Functions — FarmPal

Every element in the food forest should serve multiple purposes. Trees provide fruit AND shade AND wildlife habitat AND wind protection.

Applications

  • •Choose plants that produce food, medicine, mulch, or nitrogen
  • •Structures (arbors, fences) should support vines AND provide seating AND create microclimates
  • •Animals serve multiple functions (eggs AND pest control AND fertilizer AND entertainment)

Common Mistakes

  • •Planting ornamentals when food-producing options exist
  • •Single-purpose infrastructure
  • •Ignoring the ecological services plants provide