Poaching, or theft of non-timber forest products should be a concern for woodlot owners and has proven to ruin opportunities for profit. A first-year ginseng seedling looks similar to poison ivy. Wild baneberry, as pictured here, can be mistaken for older ginseng. Forest farming Forest farmed or 'woods-grown' crops are produced in a variety of methods. Often, raised-bed gardens are established in open areas between the forest trees.
Gardens vary in size.
Gardens 2 to10 feet in width and 10 to 100 feet in length are common. Garden beds are raised 4 to 8 inches above the surrounding forest soil to provide proper drainage for herb growth. Slightly sloped ground will also improve drainage. A common goal of forest farming is to produce marketable plants without having to spray insecticides, fungicides or herbicides. Fertilizers may be added in minimal amounts if soil tests show specific nutrients are lacking.