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🌲 Miyawaki forest planting
Based on the method of Japanese professor Akira Miyawaki, creating a dense, multi-species "mini forest" of exclusively native plants on a tiny plot (as small as 3-50 m²) that becomes self-sustaining within 2-3 years and grows far faster than a conventional planting.
When should you do this?
Autumn or early spring — start soil preparation weeks before planting
What will you need?
- Soil-improving organic matter (compost, straw, peat)
- Saplings of 15-30 different native tree and shrub species
- Mulch (straw)
- Spade
- Stakes to mark out the area
- An irrigation setup for the first few years
How to get started?
- Choose a sunny, well-drained plot of at least 3 m².
- Assess the soil (compaction, type) and loosen it deeply, up to 1 meter down.
- Work large amounts of organic matter into the soil to boost nutrients.
- Choose 15-30 native tree and shrub species typical of the region, spanning the canopy, shrub, and understory layers.
- Plant very densely: 3-5 saplings per square meter, in a random arrangement rather than rows.
- Mulch the whole area thickly, 10-15 cm, to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
- Water and weed regularly for the first 2-3 years, after which the forest patch becomes self-sustaining.
- Fence off or mark the area so it isn't trampled while it establishes.
Useful tips
- The more diverse the species mix, the more resilient the forest patch will be.
- Avoid monoculture even at this small scale.
Ready? Start a miyawaki forest planting project, or join one already running near you.