Ok, I know I'm a little late on the herb plating situation, but at least you know where to visit next spring! If you're like me and live in a warm climate, then there's still a chance to plant herbs. I know I'm still plating! Growing herbs is pretty easy, you just need the right amount of sunlight water, and a place to plant them. Not only are they easy, but they're perfect for making herbal teas, using in cooking, and for your chickens! They have amazing health benefits for humans and chickens, so what's the harm in planting a couple?
Which herbs should I buy?
Don't even get me started on how many different herbs there is, because there's a lot! I personally like to use basil, oregano, mint assortments, rosemary, thyme, parsley, dill, sage and lavender, but there's assortments of herbs you could buy. There's pineapple sage, garlic, lemon thyme, nasturtium, english thyme, german thyme, english marigold, lemon balm, yarrow, chives, lemon grass, chervil, chamomile, and cilantro. A lot, right? And these are just some that are safe for chickens! I know the main topic isn't really about chickens, but it's hard not to bring them in.
Whatever herbs you decide to buy is completely up to you, though. Buy the ones that will do best in your yard or house, so that way they will last longer. I really love perennial herbs, as they come back every year and get bigger. Rosemary is an example, and I use it more than any other herb.
Where should I plant them?
I use big pots that I fill with dirt and plant the herbs in. I also have a raised garden bed in my run that I planted herbs in. There's a wire cover over it so that way once the herbs get big enough, the chickens can eat through the wire. I put the pots around the house based on what amount of sunlight they need, so keep that in mind when finding a spot to plant them.
For the Raised Garden Bed
It's fairly simple to make, so I thought I'd give ya'll a little DIY on how to make it!
What I like about this is the lid. I love that they aren't able to dig up the roots, and they can only eat the leaves that grow through the wire, and once the herbs start dying off, just take off the lid and let the chickens do the rest!
Most herbs do well in well drained soil, and sunlight, so be sure to keep that in mind if you want to get the most out of your herb garden! Your chickens will thank you for all these herbs, and I think you'll be pretty proud of yourself to, as it can be a hobby for you. Not only that, but herbs have all kinds of health benefits, so you'll be doing yourself some good!
Dancing with Chickens
Which herbs should I buy?
Don't even get me started on how many different herbs there is, because there's a lot! I personally like to use basil, oregano, mint assortments, rosemary, thyme, parsley, dill, sage and lavender, but there's assortments of herbs you could buy. There's pineapple sage, garlic, lemon thyme, nasturtium, english thyme, german thyme, english marigold, lemon balm, yarrow, chives, lemon grass, chervil, chamomile, and cilantro. A lot, right? And these are just some that are safe for chickens! I know the main topic isn't really about chickens, but it's hard not to bring them in.
Whatever herbs you decide to buy is completely up to you, though. Buy the ones that will do best in your yard or house, so that way they will last longer. I really love perennial herbs, as they come back every year and get bigger. Rosemary is an example, and I use it more than any other herb.
Where should I plant them?
I use big pots that I fill with dirt and plant the herbs in. I also have a raised garden bed in my run that I planted herbs in. There's a wire cover over it so that way once the herbs get big enough, the chickens can eat through the wire. I put the pots around the house based on what amount of sunlight they need, so keep that in mind when finding a spot to plant them.
For the Raised Garden Bed
It's fairly simple to make, so I thought I'd give ya'll a little DIY on how to make it!
- 2x4's do the job, and once cut to the length you would like, screw them together, created either a square, or a long rectangle. Mine is a long rectangle as there's a lot of herbs in it!
- When making the lid, some thin and small wood pieces will do well. Make them the same size as the bottom part, and screw them together. Staple your choice of wire over the top. I used chicken wire as it would be a little easier for them to get the herbs.
What I like about this is the lid. I love that they aren't able to dig up the roots, and they can only eat the leaves that grow through the wire, and once the herbs start dying off, just take off the lid and let the chickens do the rest!
Most herbs do well in well drained soil, and sunlight, so be sure to keep that in mind if you want to get the most out of your herb garden! Your chickens will thank you for all these herbs, and I think you'll be pretty proud of yourself to, as it can be a hobby for you. Not only that, but herbs have all kinds of health benefits, so you'll be doing yourself some good!
Dancing with Chickens
