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What exactly is a plant guild — and how do you know what belongs in one?

In this episode of White Strawberries, I’m answering a listener question about guilds: what they are, whether they all follow the same principles, and whether the plants in a guild need to come from the same place.

A guild is simply a group of plants that support one another. Instead of thinking about a fruit tree as an individual plant that needs to be maintained, we can start thinking about the whole ecosystem around it — including nitrogen fixers, mineral accumulators, pollinator plants, ground covers, pest-management plants and plants that provide mulch.

I walk through four different guilds and the kinds of conditions and plants that suit each one: citrus, Mediterranean, temperate, and subtropical guilds, as well as the different functions plants can play within them.

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The big idea? You don't have to get your guild perfect. Start by understanding your land, observe what is happening, and then add plants that support what is already there.

If you're starting from scratch, map your land first. Look at temperature, shade, water and wind throughout the year, then consider which guild fits each area.

🌿 Want the Guilds Guide?

I've created a visual guide to the guilds discussed in this episode, with examples and pictures. Here it is.

And if you have a gardening question you'd like me to answer on the podcast, send me a voice message or write it in. I love answering questions about the things you're actually trying to figure out in your garden.

🎧 Previous Episode Mentioned

How to Grow a Subtropical Forest in a Cold Climate | With Steve Fawcett — Episode 19

Listen to the episode through the White Strawberries podcast feed.

May your guilds be in the right place and your strawberries white. 🌿💚 Sam

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