Garden Plants to Grow Just for Your Flock

When you raise backyard chickens, it’s only natural to want to treat them to the very best—and what better way than by growing a garden tailored just for them? Not only is it fun and rewarding, but it’s also a fantastic way to supplement your flock’s diet with fresh, nutritious greens, herbs, and snacks. Plus, a chicken-friendly garden can help reduce your feed costs and promote overall health and happiness in your coop.

Here are some of our favorite garden plants to grow specifically for your feathered friends:

🌿 1. Kale and Swiss Chard

Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, these leafy greens are easy to grow and highly nutritious for chickens. They’re also hardy and can be harvested throughout the growing season. Your flock will love pecking at them straight from the garden!

🥬 2. Lettuce and Spinach

Soft, tender leaves like butter lettuce and baby spinach are perfect for chicks and adult birds alike. These greens grow quickly and are ideal for a cut-and-come-again harvest method.

Note: Avoid iceberg lettuce—it has little nutritional value and can cause diarrhea in large quantities.

🌱 3. Herbs for Health

Herbs don’t just smell great; they also provide medicinal benefits for your flock. Some top picks include:

• Oregano (natural antibiotic)

• Mint (keeps pests away)

• Basil (anti-inflammatory)

• Parsley (rich in vitamins and calcium)

You can hang fresh bundles in the coop, mix them into feed, or let your hens nibble freely.

🥕 4. Root Veggies: Carrots, Beets & Radishes

Chickens love the tops of root vegetables, and they’ll peck at the roots too once cooked or grated. Grow these with your flock in mind, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of dual-purpose crops!

🌻 5. Sunflowers

Sunflowers add beauty to your garden—and their seeds are a favorite, protein-packed snack for chickens. Once dried, you can save the heads and toss them whole into the coop for enrichment and nutrition.

🥒 6. Cucumbers and Zucchini

Chickens love cool, hydrating treats in the heat of summer. Cucumbers and zucchini are fast-growing and abundant, perfect for sharing with your feathered friends.

🐛 7. Nasturtiums and Marigolds

These flowers aren't just pretty—they’re also edible and beneficial! Nasturtiums have antibacterial properties and help deter pests, while marigolds boost yolk color and support immune health.

Tips for a Chicken-Friendly Garden

• Rotate Access: Let chickens forage after your garden has matured, or rotate access with fencing.

• Avoid Toxic Plants: Steer clear of nightshades (tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes), onions, and rhubarb.

• Use Companion Planting: Many chicken-safe plants grow well together and can help deter bugs naturally.

A Garden Worth Sharing

Growing a garden for your flock is more than just good nutrition—it’s a way to connect with nature, reduce waste, and bring more joy into chicken keeping. Whether you have a full backyard plot or a few raised beds, planting with your flock in mind is a beautiful way to care for them naturally.

Do you have favorite plants that your chickens love? Share them in the comments—we’d love to hear what’s growing in your garden!