If you’re a dedicated gardener with free-ranging chickens, you’ve probably faced the challenge of finding plants that these feathered friends won’t devour. While chickens are wonderful for pest control and fertilizing your garden, they can be quite selective when it comes to what they nibble on.
Now mind you, there’s always going to be that one chicken that will try to eat anything, but all of these plants are in my yard and they tend to stay away from them. To help you maintain a beautiful garden and happy hens, we’ve compiled a list of 15 chicken-friendly plants, along with growing tips for each:
- Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
- Description: Coleus is known for its vibrant and varied foliage, which chickens typically avoid. It adds a splash of color to your garden.
- Growing Tips: Plant in well-drained soil and partial to full shade. Pinch back flowers to encourage bushiness.
- Alternanthera (Alternanthera spp.)
- Description: Alternanthera features colorful leaves and is less appealing to chickens. It’s great for adding texture and contrast.
- Growing Tips: Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. Regular trimming helps maintain its shape.
- Spirea (Spiraea japonica)
- Description: This spirea variety boasts vibrant foliage and is generally left untouched by chickens. It’s a striking shrub for your landscape.
- Growing Tips: Plant in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Prune in late winter to early spring for shape.
- Almond Verbena (Aloysia virgata)
- Description: Almond Verbena’s fragrant leaves and blossoms are not a favorite of chickens. It adds a delightful aroma to your garden.
- Growing Tips: Plant in well-drained soil and full sun. Prune to encourage bushiness and fragrant growth.
- Tiger’s Eye Abutilon (Abutilon ‘Tiger’s Eye’)
- Description: Tiger’s Eye Abutilon features stunning variegated leaves and bell-shaped flowers that chickens tend to leave alone.
- Growing Tips: Plant in well-drained soil and partial to full sun. Regular deadheading keeps the plant looking its best.
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Description: Lavender adds a touch of elegance to your garden with its fragrant purple blooms. Chickens generally avoid it due to its strong scent.
- Growing Tips: Plant in well-drained soil and full sun. Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth.
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Description: Rosemary is a versatile herb with aromatic foliage. Chickens tend to avoid its woody stems and pungent leaves.
- Growing Tips: Plant in a sunny spot and provide good drainage. Trim as needed to maintain shape.
- Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
- Description: Marigolds come in vibrant colors and have a strong scent that repels chickens. They also help deter pests.
- Growing Tips: Plant in full sun. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
- Sage (Salvia officinalis)
- Description: Sage is an attractive herb with velvety leaves. Chickens are unlikely to nibble on its strong-tasting foliage.
- Growing Tips: Plant in well-drained soil and trim regularly for bushiness.
- Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
- Description: Sunflowers are not only beautiful but also too tall for chickens to reach. Their seeds can be enjoyed by both you and the birds.
- Growing Tips: Plant in full sun and provide sturdy support for the tall stems.
- Zinnias (Zinnia spp.)
- Description: Zinnias offer a burst of colorful blooms, and chickens typically ignore them. They attract pollinators.
- Growing Tips: Plant in well-draining soil and deadhead spent flowers for continuous blooms.
- Ornamental Grasses (Various Species)
- Description: Many ornamental grasses are unpalatable to chickens and add texture to your garden.
- Growing Tips: Choose a variety that suits your climate and maintain them through regular trimming.
- Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
- Description: Echinacea, or coneflower, is a stunning perennial that chickens tend to avoid. It’s also beneficial for pollinators.
- Growing Tips: Plant in well-drained soil and allow some spent blooms to remain for seed production.
- Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
- Description: Fuchsia plants dangle their unique, pendulous flowers, which chickens typically leave alone.
- Growing Tips: Plant in partial shade and keep the soil consistently moist.
- Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)
- Description: Bee Balm’s vibrant, tubular flowers attract pollinators, and chickens usually don’t bother them.
- Growing Tips: Plant in well-drained soil and divide every few years to maintain vigor.
Remember that while these plants are generally chicken-friendly, individual chicken behavior can vary. It’s essential to monitor your flock and make adjustments as needed to protect your garden. By incorporating these plants into your flowerbeds, you can enjoy a stunning garden while providing a safe environment for your chickens.
