6 Ways Chickens Can Boost Your Garden

1. Gold dust (A.K.A chicken poop)

Chicken manure is one of the best soil improvers out there. Once composted, it’s rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — the holy trinity for healthier soil, stronger plants and bigger, tastier crops. It also boosts water retention, which means happier plants during dry spells.

Top tip: Compost droppings for up to a year before using. Fresh manure is powerful stuff — think slow release, not instant gratification.

2. Free-range pest control

All day long, chickens scratch and peck their way through the garden hunting for snacks. Beetles, grubs, caterpillars, ticks — gone. Some particularly bold hens will even take on slugs.

It’s pest control without chemicals, sprays or guilt. Just busy beaks and very satisfied chickens.

3. Feathered rotavators

Turning over soil? Starting a new bed? Let the professionals handle it. Chickens are experts at loosening, aerating and mixing soil.

Scatter a little chicken feed where you want them to work, or drop a pile of leaves onto a resting bed. They’ll scratch, spread and turn it over faster than you can find the shed key.

4. Weeds, beware

Chickens love munching weeds and clearing dead plant matter, saving you time and effort. Think of them as enthusiastic, if slightly chaotic, garden assistants.

That said, they don’t understand the emotional value of your prize dahlias…

What to protect from chickens:

• Seedlings and newly planted beds

• Veg patches and flower borders

• Soft fruit and tender leaves

Use sturdy fencing to give your flock access only to areas you’re happy for them to “redecorate”.

5. Shell yeah

Those fresh eggs aren’t just great scrambled — the shells are good for your garden too. Eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate, which helps strengthen plant cell walls and supports healthy growth.

Crush the shells using a pestle and mortar and sprinkle them onto your compost heap or directly into garden beds.

6. Garden therapy

Chickens give you an excuse to get outside, slow down and enjoy your space. Their gentle chatter, curious personalities and daily routines make the garden feel calmer and more alive. Plenty of keepers say spending time with chickens helps reduce stress — and 100% agree.

Seasonal swap outs

Get your chickens helping all year round…

Spring

• Clear winter debris and turn resting beds

• Pest patrol just as bugs start to wake up

Summer

• Ongoing slug and insect control

• Eggshells back into beds for calcium-hungry plants

Autumn

• Leaf litter spreading and soil prep

• Compost boosting before winter

Winter

• Clearing fallen leaves and light debris

• Natural enrichment while the garden rests

So what’s stopping you? Chickens aren’t just lovely pets — they’re hardworking garden helpers too. Your garden (and your mood) will be better for it.

This entry was posted in Chickens

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