Complete Gardening
Keeping chickens healthy and happy involves more than just providing a safe coop and regular feed.
One of the best ways to enrich their environment and improve their diet is by growing certain plants that serve dual purposes: nutritional and environmental enrichment.
These plants can provide essential nutrients, natural pest control, and even entertainment for your feathered friends. Here’s a list of must-grow plants that will keep your chickens thriving.
1. Comfrey
Comfrey is a fantastic plant for chicken owners. Its large, nutrient-rich leaves are perfect for supplementing your chickens’ diet. Comfrey is high in protein and has a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
Growing comfrey is easy, and it thrives in various soil types. Plant it in a sunny spot, and watch it flourish.
Its deep roots help improve soil structure, making it a great addition to your garden. The best part? Comfrey leaves can be harvested and fed to chickens all year round.
2. Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are not only beautiful but beneficial for your chickens. These colorful plants are rich in vitamins A and C. They act as a natural antibiotic and have anti-parasitic properties.
Easy to grow, nasturtiums can thrive in poor soil, making them an ideal choice for any backyard garden. Their flowers, leaves, and seeds are all edible and loved by chickens.
Plant them near the coop, and let their vines trail along fences or trellises. This not only beautifies the area but also provides shade and shelter for your flock.
3. Borage
Borage is a wonderful plant for chicken keepers. Known for its star-shaped blue flowers, it attracts beneficial insects and deters pests. Chickens enjoy eating its leaves and flowers, which are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Borage is also a great source of omega-6 fatty acids, promoting healthy egg production. It’s easy to grow, requiring minimal care once established.
The plant’s ability to improve soil quality through its deep-root system makes it a valuable addition to any chicken-friendly garden. Harvest regularly to encourage new growth and provide a continuous food source.
4. Sunflower
Sunflowers are a delight for both chickens and their keepers. These towering plants not only brighten up your garden but also provide nutritious seeds that chickens love.
Rich in fat and protein, sunflower seeds are an excellent dietary supplement, promoting healthy feathers and increased egg production.
Plant them along the edge of your garden, where they can catch plenty of sunlight. Once mature, let the heads droop and watch as your chickens enjoy the seeds. Sunflowers are easy to grow and add a beautiful focal point to any garden.
5. Mint
Mint is a versatile plant that chickens enjoy. Its aromatic leaves have a calming effect and can help deter pests around the coop.
Rich in vitamins and minerals, mint is a healthy snack for your birds. Grow it in pots or directly in the ground, but be mindful of its invasive nature.
Regular pruning will encourage bushy growth and provide a steady supply for your flock. Scatter fresh leaves in the coop as a natural air freshener and to repel insects. Its refreshing scent and taste make it a favorite among chickens.
6. Lavender
Lavender is more than just a fragrant herb. Its calming properties help reduce stress in chickens, promoting better health and productivity.
Chickens enjoy pecking at its flowers, which are rich in essential oils. Plant lavender around the coop or in the garden for best results.
Its beautiful purple blooms add color and fragrance to the area. Lavender is easy to grow, requiring little maintenance once established. Use dried lavender in nesting boxes to create a serene environment that encourages egg laying.
7. Thyme
Thyme is an excellent herb to grow for your chickens. Its small leaves are packed with essential nutrients and have natural antibacterial properties.
Chickens enjoy foraging through thyme, which can be planted around the coop or in garden beds. The plant’s aroma helps keep pests at bay, creating a healthier environment.
Thyme is drought-resistant and thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and maintains its compact form. Incorporating thyme in your garden not only benefits your chickens but also enhances your culinary dishes.
8. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a delightful herb for chickens. Its fresh citrus scent has calming effects, reducing stress in the flock. The leaves are safe for chickens to eat and are rich in antioxidants.
Grow lemon balm in pots or directly in the garden. It prefers partial shade and moist soil but can adapt to various conditions.
Regular pruning will encourage bushy growth, providing a continual supply for your chickens. Scatter fresh leaves in the coop as a natural air freshener. Lemon balm not only benefits your chickens but also makes a soothing tea for you.
9. Dandelion
Dandelions are more than just weeds; they are a nutritious addition to your chickens’ diet. Every part of the plant is edible, offering vitamins A, C, K, and calcium.
Chickens love to peck at dandelion leaves and flowers, which can be found growing wild or cultivated in your garden.
These hardy plants require minimal care and can thrive in various conditions. Allow them to grow in designated areas, and your chickens will enjoy a healthy and tasty snack. The deep roots help aerate the soil, improving garden health overall.
10. Clover
Clover is a fantastic ground cover for chicken runs. Its small leaves and flowers are rich in nutrients, providing a healthy snack for your flock.
Clover is also a natural nitrogen fixer, improving soil quality and promoting healthy plant growth. It grows well in various conditions and requires little maintenance.
Allow chickens to forage freely on clover patches, where they’ll enjoy its sweet taste. Clover’s ability to withstand foot traffic makes it ideal for areas frequented by chickens. This resilient plant supports a balanced diet and a thriving garden ecosystem.
11. Fennel
Fennel is a beneficial plant for chickens. Its feathery leaves and seeds are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Fennel’s scent can help repel pests, creating a more comfortable environment for your flock.
Grow fennel in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It requires minimal care and can reach impressive heights, adding vertical interest to your garden.
Chickens enjoy nibbling on fennel’s leaves and seeds, making it a nutritious treat. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and provides a continuous food source for your chickens.
12. Marigold
Marigolds are a must-have in any chicken-friendly garden. Their vibrant blooms add color and help deter pests. Marigolds contain lutein, an antioxidant that promotes healthy eyes in chickens.
Plant marigolds around the coop or in garden beds to take advantage of their natural pest-repelling properties. They’re easy to grow and thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Chickens enjoy pecking at the flowers, which can also be dried and added to feed. This adds variety to their diet and promotes vibrant yolk color in eggs.