Table of Contents
This article is all about using jardinières in your potager garden. It covers how to choose the right type based on material, size, and drainage, and gives ideas for design layouts that fit different garden styles. You’ll also find suggestions on the best plants to grow in jardinières, including herbs, veggies, flowers, and even fruits. It includes tips for taking care of your planters through the seasons and ends with easy DIY projects so you can build your own custom jardinières. Whether you're new to gardening or just want to grow more in less space, this guide has practical info to help your potager thrive.
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
What should I consider when choosing a jardinière? | Think about the material, size, and drainage to match your plant's needs and garden style. |
Can I grow vegetables in jardinières? | Yes, compact varieties like lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers do well in containers. |
How do I care for jardinières in winter? | Move tender plants inside and protect pots from freezing to avoid damage. |
What are some good DIY jardinière ideas? | Try upcycled wine crates, stacked terracotta pots, or old buckets with drainage holes. |
What plants work best in a potager jardinière? | Herbs, leafy greens, flowers, and dwarf fruit trees are great options. |
Choosing the Right Jardinière for Your Potager
Picking the right jardinière for your potager garden means balancing style, function, and plant needs. The material, size, and drainage all play a role in how well your plants grow and how good your garden looks.
Materials: Pros and Cons
Different materials offer different benefits. Here's a quick look at common options:
Material | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Terracotta | Breathable, classic look | Heavy, fragile, needs winter care | Herbs, Mediterranean plants |
Wood (Cedar, Redwood) | Natural, insulating | Can rot over time; needs sealing | Raised beds, large planters |
Metal (Galvanized Steel, Iron) | Durable, modern | Can overheat roots in summer | Industrial or contemporary designs |
Plastic/Resin | Lightweight, affordable | Less breathable; UV can degrade | Balcony gardens, temporary setups |
Concrete/Stone | Very durable, weather-resistant | Very heavy, permanent | Permanent garden features |
Fiberglass | Lightweight, mimics stone/wood | Expensive | High-end decorative planters |
Size and Drainage
- Depth: 6–12 inches for herbs and leafy greens; 12–18 inches for root crops.
- Drainage: Always check for holes. Add a layer of gravel or broken pottery at the bottom to prevent root rot.
- Width: Wider jardinières (24+ inches) allow for companion planting like basil next to tomatoes.
For a traditional potager look, go for terracotta or wood. If you want something modern, try metal or fiberglass. Make sure your jardinière matches your plant’s needs and garden style.
Designing with Jardinières in a Potager Garden
Jardinières add structure and beauty to your potager. They can define spaces, bring color, and help you grow more in less room. The key is to place and style them in a way that supports both garden design and plant growth.
Layout Ideas
- Symmetrical Borders: Place matching jardinières on either side of a path or entrance. This creates a formal, classic look like you'd see in a French garden.
- Vertical Gardening: Stack jardinières on shelves or hang them. Great for trailing plants like strawberries or herbs.
- Mixed Plantings: Combine edibles and flowers in one container. For example, plant a dwarf rosemary in the center, parsley around it, and nasturtiums spilling over the edge.
- Themed Jardinières:
- Herb Garden: Long wooden trough with thyme, chives, and lavender.
- Salad Bowl: Shallow container with lettuce, arugula, and radishes.
- Pollinator Pot: Mix of marigolds, borage, and sunflowers.
Color and Style
The style of your jardinière should match the look you're going for:
- Classic French: Terracotta or aged metal with a weathered look.
- Modern: Sleek black fiberglass or geometric concrete designs.
- Cottagecore: Painted wood with floral patterns or soft pastels.
Pro tip: Look at real-life examples like the potager at Villa La Roche for inspiration. They use symmetrical jardinières with clean lines to create a timeless garden design.
Best Plants for Jardinières in a Potager
Choosing the right plants for your jardinières helps create a thriving and beautiful potager. Focus on herbs, compact veggies, flowers, and even fruits that grow well in containers.
Herbs (Sun-Loving)
- Basil
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Parsley
- Chives
These do well in well-drained soil with 6+ hours of sun. Keep mint in its own pot—it spreads fast.
Vegetables
- Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale
- Compact Varieties:
- Tomatoes: 'Tiny Tim', 'Patio Princess'
- Peppers: 'Lunchbox', 'Shishito'
- Dwarf beans or peas (use a small trellis)
- Root Crops: Radishes, short carrots like 'Paris Market'
Flowers for Beauty and Function
- Edible Flowers: Nasturtiums, pansies, calendula
- Companion Plants:
- Marigolds (keep pests away)
- Borage (helps tomatoes)
- Alyssum (attracts good bugs)
Fruit Options
- Strawberries: Great for hanging or stacked jardinières
- Dwarf Citrus: Lemon or lime trees in big pots (bring inside in winter)
Tip: Use the thriller-spiller-filler method when planting. Put a tall plant in the center, medium ones around it, and trailing types on the edges. This creates a full, balanced look.
Seasonal Care for Jardinières
Jardinières need different care throughout the year to keep plants healthy and thriving. From spring planting to winter protection, a little seasonal attention goes a long way.
Spring Prep
- Clean out old soil and scrub the container if reusing.
- Add fresh potting mix.
- Start seeds indoors for tomatoes and peppers.
Summer Maintenance
- Water daily, especially during hot days—containers dry out fast.
- Harvest herbs and veggies regularly to keep plants producing.
- Watch for pests and deal with them early.
Fall Transition
- Plant cool-weather crops like kale, spinach, and peas.
- Add a layer of mulch to protect roots from early frost.
- Cut back dead or dying foliage to keep things tidy.
Winter Protection
- Move tender plants like citrus indoors.
- Wrap terracotta pots to prevent cracking from frost.
- Store unused jardinières in a dry place if possible.
Seasonal Task Summary
Season | Tasks |
|---|---|
Spring | Repot with fresh soil, start seeds indoors |
Summer | Water daily, harvest regularly, check for pests |
Fall | Plant cool-weather crops, mulch, clean up |
Winter | Move tender plants inside, protect from frost |
Tip: Set a reminder to check your jardinières weekly. Small adjustments in watering or feeding can make a big difference in plant health.
DIY Jardinière Projects for Your Potager
Building your own jardinières is a fun and budget-friendly way to add custom planters to your potager. With a few basic tools and materials, you can create unique designs that fit your space and style.
Upcycled Wooden Crate Planter
Turn old wine crates into charming herb or salad planters.
- Materials: Wine crate, landscape fabric, drill
- Steps:
- Line the crate with fabric to keep soil in.
- Drill drainage holes in the bottom.
- Fill with potting mix and plant your greens or herbs.
Galvanized Metal Trough
Ideal for a rustic or industrial look, these troughs work great for succulents or small fruits.
- Add a layer of sand or gravel at the base for better drainage.
- Perfect for alpine strawberries or trailing thyme.
Stacked Terracotta Pots
Create a vertical herb garden using different-sized terracotta pots.
- Use a long rebar rod to stack the pots securely.
- Plant different herbs in each level for a tiered effect.
Other Upcycling Ideas
- Old buckets or tubs (make sure they’re clean and have drainage)
- Colanders for small herbs
- Wooden ladders turned into vertical planters
Pro tip: Always use potting mix, not garden soil, in DIY jardinières. Garden soil can compact in containers and stop roots from breathing.