Ever thought about growing a garden just for your chickens? Now, I know what you’re thinking: “A garden for my chickens? Really?” I know, it might sound a bit out there, but hear me out. With backyard chicken-keeping booming, it’s not just about fresh eggs anymore—it’s about giving your hens the best life possible!
Here on our homestead, we recently let our hens free-range in our yard again, and within a week, the difference in their eggs was astonishing. Thicker shells, brighter yolks, and oh, the taste—so much better! Plus, our chickens seemed happier, strutting around like they owned the place (which they pretty much do).
Planting a chicken garden might sound a bit quirky, but it’s worth it. It mimics their natural diet, boosts their health, makes their eggs taste better, and saves you money. Plus, you control what they eat, and they become your little garden helpers, improving the soil, controlling weeds, and eating pests.
Still not convinced? Here are six great reasons to start a chicken garden and some tips on what to plant around your chicken run to keep your flock healthy and happy.
1. Save Money on Chicken Feed
Raising chickens isn’t cheap. Between feed, bedding, and medical care, those “free eggs” can cost a bundle. Growing your own chicken feed can significantly reduce these expenses. Planting high-yield crops like squash, tomatoes, and sunflowers can add bulk to your chickens’ diet with little effort on your part. These plants are easy to grow and can produce a lot, giving you and your flock more bang for your buck.
You might initially think it’s more work than it’s worth, but the cost savings can be substantial. Imagine a significant portion of your chicken feed is coming straight from your garden, costing you nothing extra. That’s real savings you can count on!
2. Provide Nutritious Food
Chickens thrive on a varied diet of vegetables, grains, fruits, and even meat, much like they would in the wild. Commercial chicken pellets often miss out on nutrients. Growing a diverse range of foods in your garden ensures your chickens get all the vitamins and minerals they need.
Feeding your chickens a balanced diet not only keeps them healthy but also boosts egg production. The eggs are richer in nutrients, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, making them better tasting and healthier. When you improve the quality of your chickens’ diet, you ultimately improve the quality of food on your table.
3. Feed Your Family
Why limit the benefits to just your flock? The vegetables, herbs, and fruits you plant for your chickens can be enjoyed by your family too. Most garden plants appeal to both chickens and humans. For instance, who doesn’t love a fresh tomato or a handful of berries?
Growing extra means that while you eat your fill, any leftovers can go to your chickens. If you’ve got a surplus, your chickens will have a feast, reducing your need for store-bought feed. It’s a cycle of abundance that benefits everybody.
4. Utilize Herbs in the Coop
Herbs are more than just kitchen staples; they’re great for chicken health too. Herbs like mint and basil can be scattered around the coop to boost respiratory health and overall vitality. Oregano is known to fight infections and parasites, making it a key plant for any chicken garden.
Using herbs around the coop doesn’t only benefit your chickens internally. They can also act as natural insect repellents and pleasant-smelling coop fresheners. Whether dried or fresh, herbs serve multiple functions in keeping your flock healthy and happy.
5. Chickens Aid in Pest Control
Chickens love bugs, and your garden likely has plenty. Rather than using chemical pesticides, let your chickens take care of the pests. They’ll provide you with natural, chemical-free pest control.
Consider letting your chickens roam an established garden. They can help till the soil and control insect populations, all while finding snacks. Chickens’ natural behavior can significantly contribute to maintaining a healthy garden.
6: Enhanced Soil Fertility
Chicken manure is a powerful fertilizer that can significantly enhance soil quality. It is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential nutrients for plant growth. Spread the manure around your garden beds to improve soil structure and fertility. Plants such as comfrey and borage can be grown to break down manure and release nutrients slowly.
Beneficial Chicken-Friendly Plants To Grow Next To Coops
Alright, now that you’re convinced (I hope), let’s talk plants. Here are some top picks for your chicken garden:
Herbs: Oregano, thyme, and mint can handle chicken pecking. These hardy herbs also have natural antibacterial properties. I find that planting rosemary and sage not only benefits my chickens’ health but also makes the run smell amazing.
Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are fantastic choices. They’re packed with nutrients, and my chickens go crazy for them. Plus, they’re easy to grow and can be cut back repeatedly.
Vegetables: Carrots, beets, and radishes are excellent additions. They grow well in most soils and offer great snacks for chickens. I particularly love watching my hens chase after radish tops.
Legumes: Peas and beans can be planted along the edges of the run. They provide a great protein boost, and since they grow vertically, they save ground space. Chicken-friendly and efficient—win-win!
Grains: Oats and wheat are robust grains that chickens love. They’re beneficial for scratching and pecking, providing a source of physical activity. I like to sprinkle oats around for a fun scavenger hunt.
Fruits: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries thrive well inside a chicken run. They’re delicious for both chickens and humans. You’ll have to compete with your chickens for the berries, though—trust me, they’ll always win!
Florals: Marigolds, nasturtiums, and calendula not only look beautiful but act as natural pest repellents. My chickens enjoy nibbling on these flowers, which also help keep insects at bay.
Foliage Plants: Comfrey, hostas, and lamb’s ears stand up to chicken trampling. These plants provide great ground cover and keep your run looking lush. I like how they create a cool, shaded area for my hens to relax.
Vines: Pumpkins, cucumbers, and squash can grow along the fencing. These plants give plenty of shade and the large leaves and fruits make perfect treats. Watching my chickens peck at pumpkin guts is always entertaining.
Shrubs: Elderberries, blueberries, and currants are great as they provide berries and shelter. They offer protection from the elements and a quick snack, making them practical and tasty. I appreciate how they add structure to the garden space.
Shade Trees: Mulberry, apple, and peach trees can thrive in a chicken run. They provide essential shade and drop fruits that chickens adore. Plus, having fruit trees elevates the overall aesthetic of the garden. Who doesn’t love a multi-functional plant?
Plants to Keep Out of Reach from Chickens
Growing a garden with chickens in mind can be super rewarding. But some plants just don’t mix well with our feathered friends.
Keeping your chickens safe means steering clear of certain plants. Rhubarb leaves are a big no-no; they contain oxalic acid which is bad news for chickens. Avocado skins and pits are another danger zone because they have persin, a substance toxic to birds.
Tomato plants, especially the leaves and stems, contain solanine, which isn’t good for chickens. Also, steer clear of ornamental plants like foxgloves and nightshade—their toxins can be harmful.
If you’ve got onions and garlic growing, you’ll want to make sure your chickens can’t get to them. They can cause anemia in chickens, which no one wants. And finally, keep an eye on yew bushes and daffodils; these pretty plants can be quite poisonous.
So, while you’re planning your chicken garden, remember to avoid these potentially toxic plants to keep your chickens happy and healthy.
Common Problems Gardening With Chickens
Gardening with chickens isn’t without its challenges. I’ve encountered a few common problems, but with a bit of planning, you can easily manage them.
- Pecking and Scratching: Chickens love to peck and scratch at the soil. It’s like their favorite pastime. While it’s great for them, it can be a bit chaotic for your plants. Chickens can uproot seedlings and damage roots. I found that using chicken wire or small garden fences can help keep them away from delicate plants.
- Poop Everywhere: Chickens aren’t the tidiest creatures. They’ll fertilize your garden in the most ‘organic’ way possible. While chicken manure is a great fertilizer, it can also be too strong if it’s not composted first. To manage this, I make sure to compost their droppings before using it in the garden.
- Eating Your Plants: Chickens are foodies and your plants are on their menu. They particularly love leafy greens, berries, and young shoots. To prevent them from feasting on your crops, I use netting and plant cages. It’s like having a plant fort that keeps the hungry invaders at bay.
- Dust Bath Craters: Chickens love taking dust baths, and they’ll create crater-like holes in your garden to do this. While it’s adorable, it can be destructive. I’ve designated a specific area with soft soil where they can enjoy their dust baths without ruining my garden beds.
- Unpredictable Behavior: Chickens can be a bit unpredictable. One day they might ignore your carrots entirely, and the next day they’ve decided to dig up the entire patch. It’s always an adventure. To minimize surprises, I rotate them between different sections of the garden, allowing regrowth in previously foraged areas.
- Noise and Disruption: Chickens can be noisy and their constant movement can disturb some plants. Certain sensitive plants might not thrive with all that commotion. I strategically place more resilient plants near the chickens and keep the sensitive ones in calmer zones.
Tips for Your Chicken Garden:
Step 1: Choosing the Right Spot
Find a sunny spot in your yard. Chickens love basking in the sun, and your plants will too. Make sure the area is easily accessible, so you can keep an eye on your chickens and plants without too much trouble.
Step 2: Building a Safe Enclosure
Set up a chicken-friendly enclosure. Use chicken wire to fence off the garden, keeping plants safe from eager beaks and claws. Consider burying the wire a few inches deep to prevent any adventurous chickens from digging their way out.
Step 3: Planning the Layout
Design a layout that separates plants from chickens. Create pathways for your chickens to wander without trampling seedlings. Raised beds or large containers can help keep delicate plants out of reach.
Step 4: Selecting Chicken-Friendly Plants
Choose sturdy plants chickens love. Think about planting sunflowers, clover, and marigolds, which can withstand a little pecking. Herbs like rosemary and thyme can also deter some pests that bother both plants and chickens.
Step 5: Protecting Fragile Plants
Guard your vulnerable plants. Use netting or cages to shield delicate flowers and veggies from chickens. You can even plant hedges or shrubs as natural barriers to keep curious birds at bay.
Step 6: Managing Chicken Manure
Turn chicken manure into gold. Scatter the droppings around your garden beds, but make sure it’s composted first to avoid burning your plants. This natural fertilizer can give your garden a serious boost.
Step 7: Creating Dust Bath Spots
Set up designated dust bath areas. Chickens need dust baths to stay clean and healthy. A sandbox filled with dirt and sand can keep chickens happy and prevent them from creating craters in your garden beds.
Step 8: Rotating Chickens in the Garden
Rotate chickens to maintain balance. Let them spend time in different parts of the garden, so they don’t overwork any single area. This rotation can help with pest control and keep the soil healthy.
Step 9: Monitoring and Adjusting
Keep an eye on things and make tweaks. Watch how your chickens interact with the garden and make adjustments as needed. Over time, you’ll find what works best for both your plants and your feathered friends.
Growing a chicken garden offers numerous benefits, from saving money to improving the health of your flock and family. Plant a variety of crops tailored for chickens and enjoy the rewards of a self-sustaining backyard. Happy gardening!
