In the heart of Brussels, along the banks of the hidden Senne river, a remarkable urban agriculture project is transforming a formerly neglected industrial site into a thriving green oasis. Potager de la Senne (the Senne Vegetable Garden) is more than just a community garden—it is a living laboratory for sustainable food production, biodiversity, and social cohesion. Since its inception in 2016, this 1.2-hectare site in the municipality of Schaerbeek has become a model for urban farming in the Belgian capital, attracting volunteers, school groups, and food enthusiasts alike.

Located at Rue de la Senne 100, the project is managed by the non-profit association Le Début des Haricots (The Beginning of Beans), which runs the farm with the help of hundreds of volunteers each year. The farm produces over 6 tonnes of organic vegetables annually, which are distributed through a community-supported agriculture (CSA) scheme and sold at local markets. The site also includes a fruit orchard, a medicinal herb garden, a pond, and a composting area, all designed to demonstrate how urban spaces can be rewilded and made productive.

History and Origins of Potager de la Senne

The story of Potager de la Senne begins with the rediscovery of the Senne river, which was covered over in the 19th century to make way for urban development. In 2014, a group of local residents and environmental activists launched a campaign to reclaim a vacant plot of land along the river’s former course. With the support of the Brussels-Capital Region and the municipality of Schaerbeek, the site was leased to Le Début des Haricots for a symbolic €1 per year, with the condition that it be used for community gardening and ecological education.

The first seeds were planted in spring 2016, and within three years, the farm was producing enough vegetables to supply a 50-member CSA. Today, the project employs three full-time staff and hosts over 200 volunteers annually. The farm’s success has inspired similar initiatives across Brussels, such as the Urban Gardens network, which now includes over 40 community gardens in the region.

What You Will Find at Potager de la Senne

Visitors to Potager de la Senne will discover a diverse array of agricultural and ecological features:

  • Vegetable plots: Over 80 raised beds and in-ground rows produce seasonal vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, kale, beetroot, and salad greens. The farm uses organic methods, with no synthetic pesticides or fertilisers.
  • Fruit orchard: More than 50 fruit trees, including apple, pear, cherry, and plum varieties, many of which are heritage cultivars adapted to the local climate.
  • Herb spiral: A permaculture-designed spiral garden containing over 30 species of culinary and medicinal herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, sage, and lemon balm.
  • Pond and wetland: A small pond dug in 2018 now hosts frogs, dragonflies, and water plants, creating a micro-habitat that supports pollinators and amphibians.
  • Composting centre: A three-bin composting system processes kitchen waste from nearby households and the farm’s own plant debris, producing nutrient-rich soil for the garden.
  • Beehives: Three beehives managed by a local beekeeper produce honey and support pollination across the site.
  • Tool shed and meeting space: A repurposed shipping container serves as a storage area and a covered space for workshops and gatherings.

Community and Volunteering Opportunities

Potager de la Senne is fundamentally a community project. Anyone can get involved by attending the weekly volunteer sessions, held every Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00 (March to November). Volunteers are welcome to join for a few hours or a full day, and no gardening experience is required. Tasks include planting, weeding, harvesting, building infrastructure, and maintaining the compost. In exchange, volunteers receive a share of the harvest and a free lunch made from fresh produce.

The farm also runs educational programmes for schools and families. Each year, over 1,500 children visit the site for guided tours and hands-on workshops on topics such as seed sowing, insect identification, and composting. The project collaborates with local schools in Saint-Gilles and other communes to integrate environmental education into the curriculum.

For those interested in a deeper commitment, the CSA model allows members to purchase a seasonal subscription (€250 for 20 weeks) and receive a weekly basket of vegetables worth approximately €12–€15. The subscription helps cover the farm’s operating costs and guarantees a fair income for the growers.

Products and Produce: What You Can Buy

Potager de la Senne sells its organic vegetables through several channels:

  • On-site farm shop: Open every Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00, selling freshly harvested vegetables, herbs, and occasionally honey and eggs from neighbouring farms. Prices are competitive with organic supermarkets: for example, a kilo of carrots costs €2.50, a head of lettuce €1.50, and a bunch of herbs €1.00.
  • CSA baskets: Members collect their weekly share on Saturdays. The basket contents vary with the season and typically include 5–7 different vegetables.
  • Local markets: The farm also supplies vegetables to the Food Markets of Brussels, including the Marché Saint-Gilles and the Marché de la Place Flagey in Ixelles.

In addition to fresh produce, the farm sells homemade preserves, such as pickled vegetables, tomato sauce, and fruit jams, priced between €3 and €5 per jar. These are made using produce that is surplus or slightly blemished, reducing food waste.

Ecological Impact and Sustainability Practices

Potager de la Senne is a showcase for sustainable urban agriculture. The farm operates on principles of permaculture, agroecology, and circular economy. Key practices include:

  • Water management: Rainwater is collected from the roof of the tool shed and stored in two 1,000-litre tanks. Drip irrigation minimises water use. The pond also captures runoff and filters it naturally.
  • Soil health: The farm uses no-dig methods, green manures, and compost to build soil organic matter. Cover crops such as clover and phacelia are planted in autumn to protect and enrich the soil.
  • Biodiversity: The site includes wildflower strips, insect hotels, and bird boxes. Surveys have recorded over 20 species of butterflies and 40 species of birds visiting the farm.
  • Carbon footprint: By growing food locally and distributing it within a 5 km radius, the farm drastically reduces food miles. A life-cycle assessment conducted by the University of Liège in 2020 estimated that the farm’s carbon footprint is 80% lower than that of conventional agriculture.
  • Waste reduction: The farm is zero-waste in its operations. All plant waste is composted, and packaging is limited to reusable crates and paper bags.

The project also participates in the Brussels region’s Good Food strategy, which aims to increase local and sustainable food production. Potager de la Senne has received funding from the Brussels Environment agency (Bruxelles Environnement) and the European Union’s Urban Innovative Actions programme.

How to Get There and Practical Information

Potager de la Senne is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest metro station is Verboekhoven on line 5 (tram 55 also stops nearby). From the station, it is a 10-minute walk along Rue de la Senne. Bicycle parking is available on site, and the farm is located along the Cycling Brussels network, with a dedicated cycle path running alongside the canal. For those who prefer walking, the farm is a pleasant 30-minute walk from the centre of Schaerbeek, following the Walking Routes that trace the Senne river.

Opening hours: The garden is open to the public every day from dawn to dusk, but the farm shop and volunteer sessions are only on Saturdays. Guided tours for groups can be booked in advance by contacting Le Début des Haricots via their website. Admission is free, though donations are welcome.

The farm is wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and raised beds at a comfortable height. Dogs are allowed on a leash, but must be kept away from the vegetable plots.

Events and Workshops

Throughout the year, Potager de la Senne hosts a variety of events that celebrate food, nature, and community:

  • Spring planting festival (April): A day of planting, music, and food, with workshops on seed saving and soil preparation.
  • Summer solstice picnic (June): A community potluck dinner in the orchard, with live folk music.
  • Harvest festival (September): A celebration of the autumn bounty, featuring a farmers’ market, cooking demonstrations, and a scarecrow competition.
  • Winter workshops (November–February): Indoor sessions on topics such as fermenting vegetables, making herbal teas, and planning a garden.

These events are free or low-cost (typically €5–€10) and are advertised on the farm’s social media pages and in local newsletters. The farm also participates in the Annual Festivals of Brussels, such as the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) and the Fête de l’Environnement.

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