Ocala Food Forest
Permaculture and Florida Wilds
Located in Florida USDA Zone 9
From soil to plate, every person can make a difference.
Our mission is to help people achieve food independence.
Food is something we take for granted.
It is so easy to hop in the car and run to the grocery store or restaurant and get whatever food we want.
But what if it wasn’t that easy?
With all the crazy things going on in the world today,
I believe we should all start becoming as food independent as possible.
That is why in early 2020, my partner, Julie and I started a garden.
As I was researching garden ideas, I came across this great concept called a food forest. And so the adventure began…
Plant Nursery
See what is growing in the Ocala Food Forest & what we have for sale.
Ocala Food Forest is a permaculture-based project that focuses on creating a self-sustaining ecosystem. The forest includes a diverse range of edible, medicinal, native, and companion plants specifically selected for their suitability to the local climate. The project offers a plant nursery, educational resources, and practical guides, as well as a blog, to help individuals and communities adopt permaculture practices.
At the heart of Ocala Food Forest is its commitment to creating a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem that provides a continuous source of food. The food forest is designed to mimic natural ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and sustainability.
In addition to the permaculture site, Ocala Food Forest includes a traditional garden plot. This area is dedicated to growing a variety of vegetable plants, herbs, and edible flowers, providing an additional source of fresh produce and serving as a practical example of conventional gardening techniques.
This curated list of vegetable plants, herbs, and edible flowers are well-suited for the Florida environment. Each plant on the list is linked to a detailed page that provides information on the best varieties to grow in Florida, along with specific care instructions and growing tips.
Follow the links to learn what’s growing and learn what plants grow best here and how to take care of them for a successful gardening experience.
Buy the book I created to keep a log of 58 plants.
Unlike garden logbooks that you can find everywhere, this book is designed for permaculture.
About Me
Once I found out about food forests, I got very excited and decided to turn my entire yard into an edible landscape. The more I researched, the more I knew this was something everybody should start doing, because food independence is SO important.
Remember Victory Gardens during WWII? This is the NEW Victory Garden where everybody, regardless of living situation, should strive to grow as much of their own food as possible.
Not only will this create food independence, it will also play a big part in healing not only mind and body, but the entire planet.
The Ocala Food Forest Goal
Overview
The Ocala Food Forest, located in Ocala, Florida, within USDA Planting Zone 9, is a pioneering project dedicated to sustainable living and ecological education. Established in the late summer of 2020, this nearly two-acre site is committed to fostering a vibrant ecosystem that supports humans, wildlife, and the environment.
Mission
Our mission is to champion permaculture as a sustainable complement to traditional agriculture. By replicating natural ecosystems, we create an abundant source of food and enhance environmental health. Our nursery, a central element of this mission, serves as a vital local resource, offering a carefully selected array of plants suited for the unique climate of Central Florida. This facility enables local residents to access plants that thrive in our region, supporting their sustainable gardening projects. We strive to provide a model that is adaptable and accessible, allowing anyone, regardless of their budget or space, to engage with and benefit from a Permaculture Life.
Benefits of Permaculture
Permaculture offers a multitude of benefits that extend to both human health and ecological sustainability, making it a cornerstone of modern sustainable practices.
Health and Nourishment: Permaculture emphasizes the cultivation of a diverse range of edible plants that contribute to a healthy diet. By growing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs locally, individuals gain access to fresh and nutritious food that is free of chemicals and preservatives commonly found in commercially grown produce. This not only enhances overall health but also supports a more resilient food system.
Medicinal Benefits: Beyond nutritional value, permaculture also incorporates plants known for their medicinal properties. These plants can be used to create natural remedies for various ailments, reducing reliance on synthetic medications and promoting holistic wellness. For example, certain herbs grown in the Ocala Food Forest may help alleviate common health issues like inflammation or digestive problems, offering natural alternatives to traditional medicine.
Ecological Sustainability: Permaculture designs mimic natural ecosystems, which means they are inherently sustainable and vital for ecological balance. These systems are essential for biodiversity, improving soil structure and fertility, and conserving water resources. A fundamental benefit of maintaining diverse plant life, as promoted by permaculture, is the enhancement of air quality. Plants play a crucial role in photosynthesis, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is indispensable for human and animal life. By reducing the need for artificial inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, permaculture practices also decrease environmental pollution and promote a healthier ecosystem. Additionally, these sustainable methods help combat soil erosion, increase carbon sequestration, and contribute significantly to climate change mitigation, making our planet a better place to live for future generations.
By integrating these principles, the Ocala Food Forest not only enhances the local environment but also provides the community with resources for a healthier lifestyle and a deeper connection to nature. Through permaculture, we can foster a sustainable relationship with our surroundings, benefiting both current and future generations.
Certifications and Services
In fall 2022, we reached a significant milestone by obtaining a nursery certification, which marked the inception of our appointment-only plant nursery. This certification reflects our commitment to high standards and our dedication to offering plants that enhance local biodiversity and are well-adapted to our regional climate.
Products and Offerings
We specialize in permaculture and Florida Native plants, selecting species that are resilient and require minimal external inputs. Additionally, we offer Florida Friendly plants, chosen for their compatibility with Florida’s unique environmental conditions. Our diverse selection meets a wide range of ecological and aesthetic needs, ensuring broad appeal.
Educational Impact and Community Engagement
The Ocala Food Forest is actively developing a comprehensive educational platform that provides community members with the opportunity to engage in sustainable practices through interactive experiences and practical demonstrations. We aim to empower individuals to apply permaculture principles in various settings, fostering a community well-informed about environmental stewardship and sustainable living.
Future Prospects
As we continue to evolve, our vision includes expanding our educational offerings and increasing the variety of plants available in our nursery. We are committed to nurturing a community that values sustainability, embraces education, and appreciates the collective benefits of permaculture gardening.
By leveraging our unique position in a favorable climate zone and focusing on plants that support the local ecosystem, the Ocala Food Forest is poised to become a leading example of ecological stewardship and permaculture education in the region.