What’s a Potager Garden?

Before you design a potager garden using containers you might first wonder what a potager garden is? Le potager is a French word that means kitchen garden- it has its roots in the idea that one could harvest all the ingredients needed for soup, or ‘potage’. They are ornamental as well as productive. The traditional kitchen garden is a separate space from the rest of the plants and lawn areas of a yard. The potager is used for growing edible plants and historically, some medicinal plants. Often the traditional Potager is made up of square shapes or symmetrical patterns. I’m creating a new garden in a pottage style and will share the steps I’ve used to create it. Potagers are attractive and convenient ways to grow produce for your home.

1. Define the Space

When beginning to design a potager using containers, you’ll want to first identify the space you plan to use. Create some sort of definition or enclosure. This could be a fence, wall or simply an edged area that delineates the boundary. I’ve decided to assemble raised beds, then create a cut border about 2 ft outside the entire space. Because the beds I chose are quite tall, I won’t need a fence to keep out critters.

2. Grown in Raised Beds

First, select the raised beds you’d like and construct or purchase them. I have been considering options for some time and while I loved some of these farmstead cedar beds at Gardener’s Supply Company, I decided to go with very tall and long-lasting metal beds from Vego Gardens.  Consider what you want to grow and how much you want to include so you have adequate space.  It’s much easier to plan in advance than to change your design after it’s in place. My beds are assembled and set in place. For fun and even more ease, I added four identical trellised entrances, large enough for a wheel barrow.

3. Plan for Pathways

Make interconnecting paths so your garden is easily accessible and enjoyable to walk through. Paving or stone of some sort is excellent if budget permit I plan to use a brick border and use mulch over a weed barrier for the bulk of paths.  Grass is also an option but needs lots of maintenance and becomes muddy in wet weather. Consider the width of your pathways to accommodate for any tools such as wheelbarrows or wagons that you use to garden.

4. What to Plant

Each year I plan on paper what I will plant. As I began to lay out this new garden, I decided to make a list of herbs, vegetable and fruit plants I like to cook with. I payed special attention to those requiring larger amounts of space like squashes and melons. Once I had my list, I thought about companion plants for all of my selections. Having a sense of purpose as you plan helps ensure a great end result.

5. A Focal Point

I’m still deciding on a centre feature for my garden, but I’ve narrowed it down to a long, farm table for dinners al fresco, or a water feature. Some other great options are a fruit tree in the centre or a circular bed with a bird bath or garden art. Pergolas are great, too depending on your space. Creating a focal point in the midst of your potager creates a central feature and a lovely aesthetic.