Gardening in the chicken coop sounded like such a lovely, Pinterest-worthy idea when we started. A sweet little paradise where chickens roam through lush greenery, occasionally pausing to admire a flower without absolutely destroying it. Ha. Ha. HA.

Let’s just say: if you think roaming chickens and fresh garden beds can exist in harmony, you probably also believe in unicorns and self-folding laundry.

The first time we tried planting inside the coop, it lasted roughly 12 minutes before the hens launched a coordinated attack. It was like a feathery version of “Jurassic Park” — but with fewer velociraptors and more sass. They pecked, scratched, and ate everything. I’m pretty sure one of them burped and winked at me when they were done.

But like any good farmer (read: stubborn human with a dream), we regrouped and got smart. Here’s what we’ve learned from gardening in the land of the feathered:

1. Elevate or Evacuate

If it’s not off the ground, it’s chicken chow. Planter boxes and window boxes are our secret weapon. The higher, the better — unless your chickens are also Olympic high jumpers, in which case… good luck.

2. Choose Plants They Don’t Want to Eat (Yes, They Exist!)

Rosemary is your best friend. It’s lovely, fragrant, and apparently tastes terrible to chickens. Ornamental grasses also make great borders — decorative and disinteresting to your average beaked menace. Just be aware, their curiosity may lead to digging when you first plant the unappetizing greens.

3. Chickens Are Actually Fantastic Gardeners

Before you plant anything, let your chickens loose. They’ll scratch up the soil like tiny, feathered tillers. It’s chaotic, but it works. Bonus: their poop is garden gold. Rich, nitrogen-filled fertilizer for your plants. Just give it a little time to break down unless you’re going for “eau de coop” basil.

4. Hemp Bedding = Coop Compost Magic

We use hemp bedding in the coop — it’s soft, super absorbent, and composts beautifully. We toss it into our planters once it’s broken down, and the plants love it. Plus, it makes us feel very smug and eco-friendly.

At the end of the day, gardening with chickens is less about control and more about compromise. You won’t win every battle (you will lose many plants), but with a little creativity — and height — it can work.

Come meet our girls and experience a taste of farm life.