Growing a vegetable garden in a wetland

Close to a river or a pond, we help you select the vegetables that will thrive there.

Soil moisture can of course be linked to soil structure.

When it comes to soil structure, drainage capacity is often a factor: water will have difficulty infiltrating and draining away in compacted soil. It may also be blocked by a deeper layer of impermeable soil, such as a layer of clay. The location of the garden also plays a role. The presence of a body of water near the surface or the proximity of a stream will bring a lot of moisture to your soil. Similarly, a garden located at the bottom of a slope or in a basin will collect water from higher ground.

Comfrey, meadowsweet, stinging nettles, hops, cleavers, sedge, rush... are some examples of plants growing spontaneously in wetlands.

How to grow in wetlands?

To live, plants need water. But that's not all! Oxygen is also essential! An excess of water disrupts the balance between precious liquid and air: all the soil's pores are then filled with water, and no more air-containing cavities exist. Plants are then threatened with asphyxiation, with the exception of aquatic plants, which have developed adaptation strategies.

Some, however, will tolerate permanent or seasonal humidity, as long as they don't have their roots completely in water!

Humidity encourages diseases affecting both roots and aerial parts (root rot, mildew, powdery mildew, etc.), so you need to be attentive to detect any symptoms.

Another threat: slugs and snails! They love moisture and are real enemies for crops grown in these types of soil. Keep a close eye on them!

Add organic matter! Organic matter improves soil structure and absorbs excess water from the soil.

Plant shrubs or trees! Choose plants that will absorb water and dry out the soil: poplars and willows are very resistant to humidity.

Elevate your crops! Raised beds, such as mounds and raised beds, are an excellent way to improve drainage and increase soil temperature, which is often cooler in humid areas. They will allow you to grow a greater diversity of plants.

What to sow or plant in wetlands?

Some vegetable varieties were originally aquatic plants, such as kang kong, or water spinach. Others were plants that simply tolerated very wet soils: water mint, chervil, garden cress, or cultivated arugula.

Celery also thrives in humid environments,

Vegetables belonging to the Brassicaceae family prefer soils that never dry out completely. Cauliflowers, like most other cabbages, require constant moisture to thrive. Leeks also thrive in a mild, humid climate.

Hostas, astilbes, irises, comfrey, valerian, marshmallow, angelica, and violets adapt well to humid environments.

Please note: Most of the plants listed will not be suitable for completely soggy soil!