Creating a chicken-friendly garden is not only beneficial for your feathered friends but also for your overall backyard ecosystem. Certain plants can provide natural food, shade, and even pest control for your chickens while enhancing the beauty of your yard.
From nutrient-rich greens like kale to aromatic herbs like lavender that repel pests, these 11 essential plants are a must-have for every chicken keeper. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you’ll be promoting healthier, happier flocks while creating a sustainable and vibrant outdoor space.
Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are a favorite among chickens, offering both aesthetic appeal and nutritional benefits. Their bright flowers and round leaves are more than just garden eye-candy. Rich in vitamin C, these plants can boost your flock’s immune system. Chickens find them irresistible, often pecking at the flowers and leaves. When grown near the chicken coop, they can act as natural pest deterrents, keeping unwanted bugs at bay. Planted alongside vegetables, they can serve as a trap crop for aphids. Easy to grow, nasturtiums thrive in poor soil conditions, making them a practical choice for busy keepers.
Borage
Borage, with its striking blue flowers, is not just a treat for the eyes but also for your chickens. The leaves and flowers are rich in calcium and other essential minerals, promoting strong eggshells. Chickens enjoy foraging on borage, adding variety to their diet. Its high nectar content attracts pollinators, enhancing the surrounding garden. Additionally, this plant is known to replenish nutrients in the soil, making it an excellent companion plant. Thriving in well-drained soil, borage can be a great addition to any chicken-friendly garden setup.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers stand tall and proud, offering more than just a sunny disposition. Their seeds are a nutritious snack for chickens, packed with protein and healthy fats. Growing sunflowers can provide natural shade and shelter, offering chickens a cool spot during hot days. The tall stalks can serve as a playful pecking challenge, keeping the flock entertained. Once the blooms fade, harvest the seeds and hang them in the coop for a tasty treat. Sunflowers are resilient and can thrive in various soil types, making them a versatile addition to any garden.
Comfrey
Comfrey is a powerhouse plant, boasting high levels of protein and essential vitamins. Its large leaves can be used as feed, offering a nutritious boost. Chickens enjoy pecking at comfrey, and it can aid in digestion and overall health. This plant’s deep roots draw nutrients from the soil, enriching the surrounding area. As a natural fertilizer, comfrey leaves can be added to compost, enhancing its quality. Ideal for permaculture gardens, comfrey is hardy and can withstand various growing conditions. Its benefits make it a must-have for dedicated chicken keepers.
Mint
Mint is more than just a refreshing herb. Its strong scent can deter pests, creating a more pleasant environment for chickens. Planting mint near the coop can reduce flies and mosquitoes, improving the overall comfort of your flock. Chickens may nibble on mint leaves, benefiting from their digestive aid properties. This fast-growing herb can thrive in many conditions, making it an easy addition to your garden. Regular trimming of mint encourages bushy growth and ensures a steady supply. Adding mint to your chicken care routine can contribute to a healthier, happier flock.
Lavender
Lavender isn’t just a fragrant delight; it’s a calming presence for your chickens. Known for its soothing properties, lavender can help reduce stress within the flock. Plant it near the coop to provide a serene environment. The flowers and leaves are safe if occasionally nibbled by curious beaks. Additionally, lavender acts as a natural insect repellent, keeping unwanted bugs away. With its ability to thrive in poor soil and drought conditions, lavender is a low-maintenance choice. Its presence in the garden can enhance both beauty and tranquility.
Clover
Clover offers a nutritious forage option, rich in protein and beneficial for chicken health. Its dense patches provide an abundant grazing area, allowing chickens to peck freely. Clover can aid in digestion and promote vibrant eggs. When planted in a chicken run, it helps prevent soil erosion and improves ground cover. This hardy plant requires minimal maintenance and can withstand frequent grazing. Its nitrogen-fixing ability enriches the soil, benefiting surrounding plants. Clover’s resilience and nutritional value make it an ideal choice for enhancing your chickens’ environment.
Fennel
Fennel brings a unique charm to the chicken garden with its feathery fronds and aromatic scent. Its seeds can be a tasty treat, known to improve egg flavor and support digestion. Chickens enjoy the diverse texture of fennel leaves, adding to their foraging pleasure. Beyond its culinary uses, fennel attracts beneficial insects, promoting a balanced ecosystem. Its deep roots help aerate the soil, improving garden health. Thriving in sunny spots, fennel requires minimal care. Including fennel in your chicken-friendly garden can enhance the overall wellbeing of your flock.
Pumpkin
Pumpkins serve a dual purpose, offering nutrition and entertainment for chickens. The seeds, rich in vitamins and minerals, act as a natural dewormer. Chickens enjoy pecking at pumpkin flesh, providing a tasty diversion. Growing pumpkins can add a festive feel to your garden, and their vines offer shade and shelter. Once harvested, pumpkins can be stored for winter treats. This resilient plant can thrive in various climates, making it a versatile addition. Incorporating pumpkins into your chicken care routine can support health and keep your flock engaged.
Marigold
Marigolds don’t just brighten the garden; they offer numerous benefits to chickens. Known for their vibrant blooms, these flowers can enhance feather color and health. Their natural pest-repelling properties can help maintain a cleaner coop environment. Chickens may peck at the petals, benefiting from their antioxidant-rich nature. Marigolds thrive in sunny spots and require minimal care, making them an easy addition. By planting marigolds, you can create a more visually appealing and healthier setting for your chickens. Their beauty and utility make them a worthy choice for any poultry enthusiast.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera stands out as a healing plant, beneficial for both chickens and their keepers. Known for its soothing properties, aloe can aid in treating minor cuts and skin irritations in chickens. The gel inside the leaves can be applied directly or added to drinking water to boost hydration. While chickens may not forage on aloe, its presence in the garden contributes to a holistic care approach. Aloe’s resilience makes it suitable for various climates, requiring little attention. Including aloe vera in your plant repertoire can support a healthier flock holistically.