Nursery project in Belle de Mai

Near the Friche la Belle de Mai, the association Pépins Production is developing a new nursery to gradually involve residents in the greening of their neighborhood. The space will be inaugurated on October 17.

Residents help with plant care

With a piece of string between their fingers, these residents of the Belle de Mai (3rd arrondissement) tie tomato plants to small wooden stakes. "In recent days, the mistral has battered the young shoots. They are doing what is necessary to prevent the stems from bending under the next gusts," explains Estelle Marin, project manager and nursery worker at Pépins Production.

First cuttings need attention

A few meters away, the first cuttings also require regular watering. On this 1,000 square meter parcel, located near the Friche and the Center for Conservation and Resources of the Mucem, Pépins Production is developing the first neighborhood nursery in the Belle de Mai.

Focus on Mediterranean plants

This national association, which has an antenna in Marseille, aims to produce species adapted to the Mediterranean climate while developing educational activities on site.

Municipal land agreement

Pépins Production occupies this municipal land under a three-year agreement with the City of Marseille. Its mission is to develop greening in this neighborhood through an educational approach.

Cold greenhouse for early growth

A cold greenhouse of about 45 square meters, built jointly with the association Terrains Vagues, constitutes the first equipment of the nursery. "Unheated, the greenhouse allows for starting seeds and cuttings earlier in the season, retaining part of the heat accumulated during the day. Opening doors facilitate temperature regulation," explains Estelle Marin. The necessary equipment for cultivation is stored in a container installed on the parcel.

Soil sourced from local supplier

The first plantings are growing in soil purchased from Provence Paysage Méditerranée, a supplier based in Pennes-Mirabeau. Small peppers are also growing alongside basil, sage, peppermint, and wild arugula, particularly in the process of cuttings.

School students participate

Students from the Ahmed Litim school group, located just behind the site, also participate in activities twice a week. Sowing, cuttings, and discovering plants allow them to learn the basics of gardening and better understand the development of plants.

Partnerships with local groups

For now, the residents have not formed an association around the project. Pépins Production also wishes to establish partnerships with local actors, including the CHO3, a residents' collective in the 3rd arrondissement, and the LaboFriche, which develops research and cooperation initiatives around urban and ecological issues at the Friche la Belle de Mai. The site remains closed outside of workshops.

Future sales of plants

Starting in the spring, the plants will be offered for sale to individuals at solidarity prices. "This will be a way to allow residents to grow their own aromatic plants for cooking, even in a housing unit or apartment with little outdoor space and light," she adds.

Soil analysis underway

A soil analysis is underway. The land has already undergone an asbestos removal operation. A complementary analysis must be conducted as part of the Manuterra program by the Hermès Enterprise Foundation, in partnership with the Kléber school group (3rd arrondissement). This first pilot year of the program in Marseille plans for a study entrusted to the Bourguignon Laboratory of Materials and Processes to characterize the soil of the parcel.

Support for other garden projects

Beyond this nursery, Pépins Production supports other shared garden projects in Marseille. This is particularly the case with the Bougainville garden, where about twenty people participate in the dynamics of the site, on the edge of the new municipal park being developed around the Aygalades stream.