Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I picked up your business card. How do I use your ‘app’?
Eden in Season: Click on the card to find out!
Q: If this all sounds so good to be true, why is “nobody” doing this?
Eden in Season: Although agroforestry and mixed perennial farms are more established in warmer climates, early adopters in Southern Ontario like ours are few but growing… and it takes longer to establish in our temperate climate. That said, forest gardening and permaculture practices are actually an ancient practice that predates agriculture when quality of life and diversified nutrient-dense harvests were more important than short-term dollars or caloric yield per acre.
Q: But I don’t own land…
Eden in Season: It is never too early to gain some growing experience. If you start with smaller plants, they can be more manageable and later be transplanted to another location. Also, consider helping out folks who are establishing their own Edens. Chances are, they’re in just as much of a need for your help as your enthusiasm to participate. Perhaps there will be extra harvests to share! A visit to the Garden of Eating is one such example.
Q: I may be selling my place soon and therefore I’m unsure of my commitment.
Eden in Season: Consider the opportunity you have to increase the value of your property. A tree sapling planted and cared for will only grow in value., whether that value is enjoyed by you, or reflected in the value of your land. Also consider that you have greater flexibility over someone who does not own suitable land (see previous question).
Q: I’m not sure if I can wait that long…
Eden in Season: Of course the best time to plant was 20 years ago. The best things in life are worth waiting for. See below.
Q: *sigh* If only I thought of doing this 20 years ago.
Eden in Season: The next best time is now. See above!
…And our number one question by far…
Q: How long do I have to wait for my first fruits?
Eden in Season: Mushroom logs are inoculated the year before they are sold which is the year they may fruit, raspberries fruit the year of transplanting whereas currants take a couple of years, and tree fruits are a 4-10 year wait, properly cared for. And just to add another year of anticipation, we recommend you pinch off the first year’s fruits for a healthier tree and larger future harvests. Imagine a nursery plant but as an ornamedible plant your investment yields dividends in the form of food.