Hello All, I'm hoping to develop a food forest here. I've got about 4.5 hectares on 3 separate parcels of mostly steep Mountain side between 300 meters and 750 meters in elevation. I've had the property for about 1.5 years. When I got it, I had about 400 coconut trees, 26 mature mango trees, a small number of mahogany trees, a few avocado trees, a few jack-fruit trees, and a few bananas. Parts of the property were used for growing corn. Initially I added: 100 Pineapple, 200 Banana, 100 coffee plants. Most have survived. I then purchased about 4 goats, 2 female pigs, and about 10 native chickens. I now have about 8 goats, 16 pigs of which 6 are hopefully pregnant, and roughly 100 chickens. I have a young water buffalo. I had a horse but she fell down the mountain and died (Parts of the property are very steep). Recently I've added about 100 Citrus trees (Lime, Lemon (American and African), Mandarin Orange, Calimansi, Lemoncito, Giant Lemoncito, Pumelo) and Jackfruit (20), Santol (5), Lazones (5), Rambutan (5), Apple Mango (5) and Papaya (30). Next I plan to add: Moringa, Neem, pigeon pea, black pepper, cacao, vanilla orchids, mahogeney, and Tambis. Somewhere on the wish list - Honey Bees, Composting, Vermiculture. My goal is to develop a self sustain food forest supporting at least 10 people. The area is very remote and most of the people cook on 3 stone fires. I'm hoping to slowly change this to less smoky fuel efficient solutions. Also most people in the area do not have bathrooms (CRs) so I'm hoping to build a few for the community. In addition I've hoping to develop the water supplies (natural springs) and add a few wells. As a newbie, I have my hands full... - Vince
Welcome Vince. What a wonderful menagerie and mixture of different crops you have. You really must be busy! There are so many new technologies that help with less smoky cooking, one I'm keeping an eye on is called a Biolite Stove (doesn't use much wood and the heat-powers a USB charger) there are easy plans around for solar cookers too. If you are able to upload pictures sometime it would be great to see your place.
Sounds awesome. Except for the steep mountainside part... I'd like to second Lesley's suggestions of some photos. One question though, you mentioned adding 100 Citrus. If say, I were to do that, it would cost without bulk discounting, approx AUD$3000. What's a plant worth in the Phillipines?
Cost of trees.... I'll try to upload some pics when I get a chance. I spent about $1000 USA on trees. In hindsight I bought too many in a short time. Also, had some dug up and stolen. Most of the trees cost between $3 and $7 each. Most of the citrus I planted in an area that was fairly flat near the area I plan to build a house. Kind regards, Vince
Hello - was going to upload some photos, but it doesn't look like I'm allowed to upload attachments yet. When I can I'll set up a member systems thread and give the link on this thread. If it takes too long I'll set up a facebook page and link it
