Chickens and Gardening: 5 Clever Ways to Help Them Coexist

Dreaming of gathering fresh eggs and homegrown tomatoes from your backyard? You're not alone. Chickens and gardening are both deeply rewarding hobbies, and in many ways, they complement each other beautifully.

Chickens snack on garden pests, produce nutrient-rich droppings, and offer endless entertainment as they roam. It’s a step toward the good life: fresh eggs, vibrant veggies, and a deeper connection to your food—all from your own little homestead.

But let’s be real: chickens and gardens don’t always play nice.

While your flock may chase down potato beetles, they won’t hesitate to gobble up ladybugs or beneficial insects, too. They’ll scratch up mulch, trample seedlings, and peck at anything green. And their droppings? They’re not just for the compost pile—expect to find a few on your patio furniture.

So, can you really have chickens and a thriving garden? Absolutely—if you plan wisely.

Here are five smart strategies to help your chickens and garden live in harmony:

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1. Keep Chickens in a Run (Away from the Garden)

One of the simplest solutions? Create a designated run for your chickens. It keeps them safe, protects your garden, and still allows them space to explore.

Sure, this may not match your dream of chickens meandering through flower beds while you sip iced tea. But a well-designed run can be charming—and far less frustrating than chasing hens out of your seedlings.

Tip: Rotate the run occasionally or add a chicken-safe dust bath area to keep things interesting for your flock.

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2. Use a Chicken Tractor—In the Garden

Want to put your chickens to work? A chicken tractor—a mobile coop with a built-in run—lets you move your flock around the garden.

They’ll happily “till” the soil, fertilize as they go, and feast on grubs and weeds—all without staying long enough to do lasting damage. This method is perfect for prepping garden beds before planting or cleaning up after harvest.

Bonus: It’s one of the best ways to manage a small flock in a small yard!

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3. Let Them In (Occasionally)

Once your garden is well-established, consider supervised visits. Let your flock roam for an hour or two in the evening when plants are less vulnerable—and pests like squash bugs are easy targets.

They'll get in some foraging and fertilizing, and as dusk falls, they’ll naturally return to their coop.

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4. Fence Your Garden, Not the Chickens

Flip the script: instead of fencing in your chickens, fence out your garden. This lets your flock free-range while protecting your prized plants.

Even simple plastic netting or lightweight chicken wire can keep most backyard breeds out of your veggie patch. (Just remember—those materials won't stop predators, so don’t use them for your main chicken run.)

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5. Grow a Chicken-Proof Garden

Some plants are less appealing to chickens—especially tough, aromatic ones like oregano, thyme, or ivy. If your gardening goals lean more toward landscaping or perennial herbs, you might be able to let your chickens roam without constant damage.

Like “deer-resistant” planting, this takes some trial and error. What your chickens ignore one year, they may suddenly develop a taste for the next. (Looking at you, hostas.)

Still, if you’re focused on decorative or herb gardens, this approach can work beautifully.

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Find Your Balance

With a little planning, you don’t have to choose between a flourishing garden and a happy flock. Whether you fence, rotate, or supervise, there’s a method to suit your space and your goals.

Have you found the perfect system? We’d love to hear how you’ve made chickens and gardening work together in your yard!