Garden Question

[Rein Quest]

This probably isn't the best place for this question but I'm not sure where to put it.

So most of my garden is currently planted with a mix designed as an egg layer pasture. I intended to let the chickens into it pretty soon.

The problem is I also have corn planted. I know they'll eat it if it's young. How far along do you think my corn should be before I don't have to worry the girls will eat it?

 

[trudyg]

I have no idea. Could you let them into the area late in the day, see if they eat it and, if so, keep them out for another week and try again? Late in the day they won't be able to eat much before heading for bed.

 

[GRB73]

I think two feet would be safe. I had a similar situation with sunflowers and I waited until they had some height before I gave the girls access. Of course, my girls do a lot of damage just scratching around the roots.

 

[Rein Quest]

Great advice. I'll be sure to keep an eye on their scratching too. I was hoping if there is bare dirt they'd scratch there before uprooting plants.

 

[lazy gardener]

They will go right to the root zones b/c they know that's where they will find the tastiest insects.

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

I wonder if you could put some temporary fencing just around the corn to keep the chickens away from it while they enjoy the rest of the bounty?