Have you ever asked yourself about gardening in the Middle Ages, and how people could benefit from the practice? Gardening was viewed as important at that time because it was related to food. Everyone did it, even the wealthy and royal families. It’s safe to say that gardening wasn’t only done for aesthetic reasons, but also for functional purposes too. Let’s dive deeper into the world of medieval gardening, which you can still do in this modern time.

How Gardening in the Middle Ages Looks Like?

Since food played a huge role in people’s lives back then in medieval times, food cultivation was super crucial. People planted anything, as long as their soil was able to support the growth. They planted cereals (wheat, rye, or barley), fruits, veggies, and herbs. Some might also plant flowers although they weren’t very crucial for the medieval kitchen. And everything was done in an open and big space. That’s why the labor for medieval gardening was tedious and wasn’t easy.

Medieval Garden in Modern Era

These days, people have tried to resort back to medieval gardening. In a sense, it means that they are trying to provide for their own needs – at least on a smaller scale. You may be familiar with the ideas of planting your own cherry tomato, for instance, or having your own leek or potato. The main purpose is definitely not for sale, but for your own consumption. If you have also done this, it means that you have practiced medieval gardening.

In the old days, such a practice needed a lot of space and a limitless piece of land. But in today’s modern setting, it would be difficult to do so. But it’s a good thing that you can still do medieval gardening within today’s modern surroundings.

Some people may use pots or containers to plant the herbs or flowers. If you have a house with a garden, you are even luckier because it gives you a chance to do a more extensive gardening with various options of plants. Those with very limited space (such as people living in apartments) can only use containers or even wall planters.

The General Design

If you have a garden, you can divide it into sections. A certain spot is dedicated for medicinal plants, while the others can be used for edible plants. Another area can be utilized for ornamental plants. But if you have limited space, having containers will do. One container should be different from the others.

When you have sections for the garden, keep it simple. You don’t have to do anything fancy or grandeur. Make use of pathways for sections. You can arrange gravel or stone pathways to create clearer distinctions.

Caring for the Garden

There wasn’t any chemical fertilizer during the Middle Ages. People had to use organic and natural stuff, such as manure and compost, to provide the needed nutrients for the soil. It’s up to you whether you want to imitate such a practice or not. But you should know that chemical fertilizer is basically harmful. If you want to produce a healthy, safe, and natural outcome, reserve to natural methods.

Conclusion

Whether you want to move forward with your medieval gardening option or not is a decision that you should make for yourself. Be sure that you are convenient and comfortable with it. The facts about gardening in the Middle Ages can help you decide whether it’s for you or not.