During the COVID-19 lockdown, I returned to the UK and spent time at my parents’ garden, which had been abandoned for seven years after my father passed away. The garden, originally designed in 2009, had the potential for substantial food production. Over the following 12 months, I collected detailed data on what I was able to harvest and eat from this forest garden, ultimately sourcing approximately 80% of my food from it.
Data Collection and Method
Harvests were tracked from mid-April 2020 to May 2021. To see the complete month-by-month data, view the Forest Garden Monthly Yield Spreadsheet article. This spreadsheet lets you explore all yields and seasonal availability without leaving our website.
The spreadsheet uses the following symbols to indicate yield levels:
- N – None
- P – Possible: the crop may not have produced this year, but in other years it could yield harvest
- S – Some (available at start or end of season)
- A – Abundant
- ? – No data collected
Seasonal Yield Overview
| Plant / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leafy Greens | S | S | A | A | A | A | A | S | S | N | N | S |
| Fruits (berries) | N | N | P | S | A | A | A | A | S | P | N | N |
| Herbs | S | S | A | A | A | A | S | S | P | N | N | S |
| Root Vegetables | P | P | A | A | A | A | S | S | P | P | N | N |
| Nuts & Seeds | N | N | N | S | A | A | A | S | N | N | N | N |
Key Lessons
- Even abandoned gardens can provide substantial food with careful observation and management.
- Tracking yields monthly helps identify peak harvest times and gaps in food availability.
- Layering plants (permaculture approach) ensures continuous production across seasons.
- Some crops provide abundant yield only in certain months, so diversity is key for food security.
Takeaways for Replication
- Maintain a mix of annuals, perennials, herbs, and root crops.
- Observe seasonal growth patterns for better harvest planning.
- Record yields to inform future planting decisions.
- Use a layered, permaculture-inspired design to maximise space and productivity.
This case study offers practical insight for anyone looking to start or revive a forest garden in a temperate climate.