Before supermarkets and imports, before paved roads and tourist hubs, island families in St Maarten relied on the earth beneath their feet. Domestic farming in St Maarten—particularly backyard gardens—has long been a way of life, a tradition shaped by necessity, climate, and culture.
Even today, tucked behind homes, along hillsides, or beside cisterns, you’ll still find gardens growing callaloo, sweet potatoes, thyme, pigeon peas, and mint. These aren’t hobby gardens—they are small acts of independence, passed down through generations.
A Tradition of Self-Reliance
Historically, domestic farming in St Maarten played a vital role in household survival. In a time when imported food was scarce and expensive, families depended on backyard plots and shared knowledge.
Older generations still recall waking early to tend crops before school or fetching water for the garden before sunrise. Fruits like soursop, papaya, mango, and sugar apple were seasonal gifts, while herbs and greens grew almost year-round.
“My grandmother had thyme and mint growing in old buckets. Every meal started from that garden,” says one local from the Dutch Quarter community.
In rural areas and on the French side, the tradition remains especially strong. Many homes keep chickens for eggs and grow cassava or okra in small cleared patches. It’s a rhythm of life that persists, quietly and proudly.
What Grows in Backyard Gardens?
The subtropical climate of St Maarten allows for year-round growing, though dry seasons can limit certain crops. Common staples in island gardens include:
- Callaloo: A leafy green central to soups and sautés
- Pigeon peas: Used in the famous rice-and-peas dish
- Sweet potatoes and cassava: Ground crops full of flavor and sustenance
- Herbs like basil, mint, and thyme: Essential to Caribbean cooking
- Scotch bonnet peppers: For those who like a little heat
Many of these crops are drought-resistant and thrive in St Maarten’s soil with little intervention beyond basic care and water management.
Cultural Meaning Beyond the Harvest
Domestic farming in St Maarten is more than growing food—it’s about identity, continuity, and pride. For many families, passing on gardening knowledge is a form of heritage preservation. It teaches responsibility, respect for the land, and resourcefulness.
These gardens also bring people together. Neighbors often trade produce, seeds, or cuttings. Some communities organize informal “plant swaps” or jollification-style gatherings to clear new plots or help an elder repair fencing.
There’s a quiet joy in walking out your back door and picking breakfast straight from the vine. It’s a reminder that island living is still closely tied to the land.
The Rise of Urban Gardens and School Plots
In recent years, local initiatives have revived interest in domestic farming. Schools across the island have introduced agricultural education programs, teaching children to plant and care for vegetables. These small plots provide both lessons and lunch ingredients.
Urban dwellers, too, are rediscovering the benefits of container gardening on balconies or rooftops. Rainwater collection barrels, composting methods, and even recycled tires have become tools of the trade.
External programs like Slow Food Caribbean (DoFollow) and local sustainability workshops also support food independence in the region.
Why This Tradition Still Matters
In a globalized food economy, the value of domestic farming in St Maarten goes beyond cost. It connects islanders to their land and their history. It reduces dependence on imports, supports better nutrition, and fosters resilience in times of crisis.
The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, renewed attention on backyard gardening as families looked for food security and affordable ways to stay nourished.
Explore, Taste, and Grow
Visitors interested in the island’s food culture can often see these gardens during heritage tours or simply by keeping an eye out while walking through neighborhoods like Colombier, French Cul-de-Sac, or Middle Region.
Want to take it further? Visit the Marigot Market for fresh local produce grown in home gardens and small farms, or join an eco-tour focused on sustainable living.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is domestic farming in St Maarten common today?
Yes. While not as widespread as in earlier generations, many families continue to grow food for personal use or community sharing.
Can tourists see local gardens?
Yes, especially on cultural or heritage-themed tours. You may also spot them while exploring local villages.
What crops grow best on the island?
Callaloo, pigeon peas, cassava, plantains, and hot peppers are among the most common.
Is there support for backyard farming?
Some local NGOs and school programs support small-scale agriculture, especially for education and sustainability.
A Quiet Tradition, Still Growing
Domestic farming in St Maarten is not about scale—it’s about spirit. These backyard plots, from concrete tubs to hillside rows, remind us of the island’s roots. They carry the flavors of the past, the lessons of self-reliance, and the hope of a sustainable future.
Next time you’re on the island, slow down. Look beyond the beaches. You might just catch sight of a guava tree, a basil pot, or an elder weeding with care—and you’ll know, a little more deeply, what it means to live the island way.
