Berries Tubers and Shoots - Polyculture Profile - Productive Polyculture - Argus

Imagine a garden bed that not only provides a source of fresh, healthy food but also supports local wildlife and improves soil health. That's the beauty of a "multi-layered edible polyculture," a type of garden bed designed with several layers of edible plants that work together to create a thriving ecosystem.

So, if you're looking for a way to grow some of your own food while creating a thriving garden ecosystem, a multi-layered edible polyculture is definitely worth considering and the polyculture we will look at during this post, measuring only 4.5 square meters and consisting of four layers: Canopy, Shrub, Herb, and Ground is a perfect place to start.

Polyculture Name - Berries Tubers and Shoots - Argus

At the center of the bed sits a beautiful Amelanchier alnifolia - Smokey Saskatoon tree, surrounded by summer berry shrubs Elaeagnus multiflora - Goumi and Ribes × nidigrolaria - Jostaberry on the corners. Shade-tolerant herbs, including the beautifully scented Geranium macrorrhizum - Bigroot Geranium and graceful Matteuccia struthiopteris - Ostrich Fern are planted below the shrubs with the entire bed bordered by an oriental perennial vegetable, Stachys affinis - Chinese Artichoke

This multi-layered edible polyculture not only provides food for the gardener but also habitat and support for local wildlife. Additionally, it improves the soil it grows in, contributing to the overall health of the garden ecosystem. 

Specifications

Compatible Climate(KCC) - Cfa - Dfb (see here) 

USDA Hardiness - 5b 

Water Needs - Irrigation required during dry periods 

Light Preferences - 6-8 hrs of direct sunlight  

Soil Preferences - Fertile and well-drained soil 

Suitable pH - 6 - 7.5