Plant a Garden the Acadian Way

Jamie Keedy
May 19
2 min read

Planting an Acadian garden is a meaningful way to honor the self-sufficient lifestyle of the Acadian people, who settled in the Maritimes and parts of Quebec during the 1600s. Their gardens were practical, seasonal, and centered on survival. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a historically inspired Acadian garden:

1. Choose Your Location

Full Sun: Acadian gardens were often planted in sunny spots close to the home.
Well-Drained Soil: Slightly sandy or loamy soil was ideal. Amend modern soil with compost to mimic their nutrient-rich conditions.
Protection: Use fencing or raised beds to guard from animals, as settlers often did.

2. Design the Layout

Acadian gardens were simple, square or rectangular plots with clearly marked rows.

Use wooden borders or stones to outline the beds.
Leave walking space between rows.
Mix companion plants to deter pests (e.g., onions with carrots).

3. Select Heirloom & Heritage Vegetables

Focus on crops known to the Acadians and suitable for the Maritime climate:

Vegetables

Cabbage – a staple for sauerkraut and stews.
Turnips – hardy and stored well.
Beans – especially pole beans; planted with corn and squash (Three Sisters style).
Peas – early season and easy to dry.
Carrots – common in stews and soups.
Onions & Leeks – essential flavor base.
Parsnips – grew well in cool climates.
Squash & Pumpkin – used fresh or stored for winter.

Herbs (Kitchen & Medicinal)

Thyme, Sage, Parsley, Chives
Chamomile, Yarrow, Mint – for teas and poultices.

Fruit

Currants, gooseberries, raspberries – wild or cultivated.
Apple tree – crabapples or hardy heirloom types.

4. Planting & Maintenance Tips

Spring Planting (May–June): Most seeds were sown directly once frost danger passed.

Companion Planting: Use traditional knowledge to improve yields and pest control.

Mulching: Straw or leaves to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Rain Barrels or Wells: Watering was done by hand; replicate with eco-conscious watering.

5. Add a Cultural Touch

Build a pole bean teepee using branches tied at the top.

Include a small herb drying rack or wooden trellis.

Plant flowers like calendula or marigolds, which were used medicinally or to deter pests.

6. Harvest and Storage

Pick crops as they mature through summer and fall.
Dry herbs on racks in a shed or loft.
Store root vegetables in cellars, pits, or cool sheds.

Incorporate Livestock or Chickens

Many Acadian homesteads also included a small coop, and the manure was used to enrich the soil naturally.