As you can see in this illustration, if the sun is in the south then the smallest plants should be planted on the south side of the yard with the largest trees being planted on the north side. This way everything gets full sun for maximum growth and production. Shade tolerant plants may be planted in the spaces between. This drawing represents a mature food forest with all plants filled in at desired size. At planting time, when things are smaller, there will likely be sunny spots between the main trees/bushes. These are great spaces to utilize for annual garden crops for the first couple of years as your food forest is growing.