One Seed at a Time

In a world where industrial farming and urban sprawl have distanced people from the source of their food, Greener Hills Nursery aims to cultivate an informed community where residents are connected and involved in nourishing themselves and future generations. With over 200 varieties of fruit trees and edible plants, the nursery provides everything from back porch gardening advice to full-scale food forest designs. Owned by Justin Soucek, a FNGLA-certified grower with over 25 years of hands-on experience, Greener Hills is redefining people’s relationship to the earth by focusing on sustainable agriculture. 

Soucek’s journey with Greener Hills Nursery began 20 years ago, initially rooted in ornamental design. Witnessing the landscaping business firsthand, Soucek couldn’t help but compare the destructive tendencies involved in traditional gardening techniques with the plethora of benefits provided by permaculture. It became evident that his business should take a turn for the enhancement of the community, realizing he could make a larger impact by sharing his newfound understanding. Over the years, Greener Hills transformed into a hub for food forestry- a concept that integrates edible plants into multi-layered gardens, mimicking natural ecosystems. It is apparent that Soucek’s intention extends beyond his business- he’s on a heartfelt mission to bring people closer to nature, healthier living, and themselves. He explains, “It’s not just about providing plants but passing on knowledge to help the community thrive.” 

Food forestry differs significantly from traditional landscaping, aiming to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that maximizes productivity while minimizing environmental impact. They offer a revolutionary approach to agriculture by working with nature rather than against it. Unlike conventional gardens that often rely on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, food forests incorporate layers of plants - trees, shrubs, and groundcovers - that work together to support each other. This design enhances biodiversity and helps maintain a balanced ecosystem where beneficial insects and natural predators keep pests under control, reducing or even eliminating the need for chemical pesticides. 

By embracing food forestry, we move toward a model of agriculture that not only meets human needs but also restores and rejuvenates the environment. It is a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of all living things and seeks to cultivate abundance in a way that honors nature's inherent wisdom. In comparison, traditional agricultural practices often prioritize short-term yields over long-term ecological health, leading to negative consequences for both the environment and future generations. Food forests offer a pathway to not just sustainable but regenerative agriculture- one that heals the land while providing nutritious, locally grown food. "In food forestry, you utilize every square foot efficiently," says Soucek. "Each plant contributes something unique, whether it's providing shade, enriching the soil, or attracting pollinators. This interconnectedness promotes natural pest resistance and enhances soil health, which is something you don't get with monoculture farming." 

The movement is not just for the green-thumbed or those with acres to spare. Soucek often encounters people who feel hesitant to start gardening because they think they lack the space, skills, or time. But he encourages them to take that first step, no matter how small. "You don't need to have a big backyard to make a difference," he reassures. "Even if it’s just a couple of pots on your porch, you’re still contributingto a more sustainable lifestyle and setting an example for others." For many Naples residents, space limitations can make traditional gardening seem daunting. However, the layered planting approach in food forestry maximizes the use of vertical space and sunlight, allowing for higher productivity in smaller areas, which is particularly beneficial for urban and suburban environments. Soucek points out that Naples is ideal for food forestry due to its favorable climate. "We live in what I call the 'Goldilocks Zone'- not too hot and not too cold,” he adds. He insists that even the smallest spaces can be transformed into productive, mini food forests. "You don’t need a large yard to grow your own food. With the right approach, even a small porch can support a variety of fruit-bearing plants and edible herbs." 

The key to creating a food forest in limited space lies in mimicking the layered structure of a traditional food forest, even within containers. "We use the same principles in container gardening that we apply to larger food forests," Soucek explains. "You can still have different 'layers'- all in pots. The goal is to choose plants that complement each other and create a mini ecosystem where they support one another." Certain fruit trees and plants are particularly well-suited for container gardening. For example, dwarf mango and avocado trees, which stay under six feet tall, thrive in pots and produce abundant fruit. 

Self-pollinating varieties like figs and finger limes, which don’t require insects for pollination, are also excellent choices for screened-in porches. "Some plants, like citrus, can actually live longer in containers than they would in the ground because you can control the soil conditions better," Soucek adds. "For instance, lemon and lime trees may thrive for 10 to 12 years in a pot, whereas they might only last four or five years in the ground here."