Ideas for a Patio in a Vegetable Garden

Plan the Environment

• Consider your space when planning your garden and getting ready to add a patio to your vegetable patch. A corner setting can be a good vantage point to survey the area while you rest between rounds of tending your veggies, or dead center with a geometrical configuration of plant rows can bring a Zen-like atmosphere to your garden. Pencil plan of your existing garden and play with ideas of where you would like to sit and relax, and what type of environment you desire for your down time.

Choosing the Materials

• Select materials based on the patio's permanence. Consider pouring a concrete slab if you plan something permanent. Be sure the slab is slightly angled towards the outside so water does not pool on the surface. Flagstones placed in a square, rectangle, or even a corner can create an organic-looking space. If you have raised beds, place flagstones or pea rock walkways between and create a larger space in one location as a sitting area.

Atmosphere

• Placing a gardening shelf, seating and a few containers with both flowering vegetables and smaller versions of the garden plants such as patio tomatoes can create your sitting area. Wood chips as a base or pea rock spread at a depth of 2 inches in the area you wish to use as seating will keep down weeds and make the space more hospitable for relaxing. A trellis can add a focal point, and beans or peas can be grown over the trellis for added growing space. A bean teepee, an arrangement of poles with climbing beans running up the poles is a fun addition and can add a great backdrop. Finish out your area with wood benches or a rustic wood chair set and a small table.