Use the chickens save the tomatoes!!!

[k_long]

I apologize if this is not the right area to post this, but gardening is a hobby. After losing the war to weeds last year in my garden I have been trying to figure out a better method and use the chickens without feeding them everything that I want to go on my table. I am wondering if I can fence my raised beds in on the sides and on the top (about 12 or 18 inches) and let the chickens run in the lower portion and preserve the fruit by being above the fence. Has anybody tried anything like this or does anybody use there chickens in the garden while preventing them from taking all the goodies

 

[Amyable]

That sounds like a pretty good idea. How many raised beds do you have, and how big are they? The work of building covers for a lot of beds might not be too appealing. However, I plan on putting my chickens in the garden in spring before planting, and after harvest in the fall. I figure that will give them 3-4 months each year to poo it up and eat the buggies/seeds.

 

[k_long]

Yeah I am definetely going to get them in there in the spring and the fall. I just always fall behind with the weeding. I would probaly only do it to two of the beds toms, and the peas they both get pretty tall. I don't think the rest of the veggies realy get tall enough so it probably won't work. I am thinking 4x16 beds 8x16 would be nice more square footage for the money, but a stretch to reach in if it works this year with the chickens maybe a i will put a couple of the big beds in. This is my first year with raised beds. I just moved to a new house and though i could till the earth i would be fighting roots. Not to mention I don't have a big enough tiller for my size of garden.

 

[oberhaslikid]

I converted to raised beds 2 years ago.I fence the area with 2 foot fence wire. I placed rubber mats between the beds to keep weeds down.The local tire shop sells truck bed mats and the customers dont want the tail gate piece.I ended up buying the tail gate pieces for 50 cents each.In the Fall when I get done. I take the fence down and let the chickens have what is left.They clean up pretty well.

 

[CoopCrazy]

I have seen on here were someone made a long skinny a-frame style tractor that fit in the rows between there plants they would just move it forward after the chickens had decimated the weeds.. Also is good for aerating and fertilizing your garden at the same time.. and bug control .. I am thinking of trying it this year.. I will try to find the link for you... I do like your idea as well I had thought about something similar for my herb garden so my chickens can weed it for me...

 

[k_long]

bump

 

[Bridget399]

Thats a great idea about the raised planter with room for the chickens to scratch between. I may invest in a bagger for the tractor this year. I figure that the grass from that could be used as mulch around my plants. The left overs after a few cuttings could just go in the chicken run. Of course they are expensive, so I'm not sure if I will be able to get one...

 

[saddina]

I had mine in a tractor between raised beds, and it worked well. Grasshoppers, hornworms, if it was silly enough to be in pecking range, it was eaten.

 

[Bantimna]

We have planted our's in containers. It helps with worms,grasshopres and all the things in between. Have you visited this site:
http://www.theasygarden.com

 

[vfem]

Hi Fellow NCarolinian! And Fellow gardener to boot!

Also

I like your idea... with the exception that chickens scratch and can cause a good amount of root damage to your plants which are extra sensitive annual plants and veggies. Perennial plants can hold up better to that kind of abuse. I use mulch around my planting my raised beds and I use a 'stirup' style hoe to scrape the weeds the come up off the surface of my gardens as well. I have very little weeding to do, and it really makes it quick and simple work. Mulching also helps prevent bad diseases like Blight!

Of course this is the perfect place to post about your hobby... BYC has a sister site we gardeners adore! Its www.TheEasyGarden.com and you will find a lot of us BYC members running back and forth between here and there!

Please come join us... we all LOVE to talke garden!!!!!!!!

Thanks for finding us and sharing!