Top 6 Plants to Grow for Chickens and Humans
Top 6 Plants to Grow for Chickens and Humans
Top 6 Plants to Grow for Chickens and Humans
There are a variety of plants to grow for chickens and humans, however, these are my chicken’s top favorites that I like too! Ever since my chickens were babies, I experimented with different types of greens to see what they like the best. Now that they are older, they still seem to gravitate towards some of the same foods. Therefore, I found it useful for me to keep the list in mind for when I was planning my spring and summer plantings. These are my favorites as well.
Microgreens
When determining what plants to grow for chickens and humans, it is important to consider the space needed, for what you are able to grow. For example, if space is an issue, consider growing these specific vegetables/plants in pots. Microgreens are perfect for any size pot or for any time of year. These greens have 4 to 40 times as much nutrition per volume as their mature counterpart, depending on the seeds you grow. From broccoli to kohlrabi, there are several varieties of microgreens and sprouts available! See my blog on microgreens here. Easy to grow and my chickens love them. I’ve been putting a small pot of microgreens in their brooder area as well as their run ever since they were 2 weeks old.
Kale
There are many varieties of this lovely green, for both us and for our feathered friends. As always, I recommend using seeds that are both organic and heirloom if you can find them. Heirloom seeds have been around for centuries and no one has messed around genetically with them. If you are looking for more ways to eat kale (as if chickens weren’t reason enough!), go here.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard might seem close to kale, but it is definitely a distinct flavor and easy to grow. Again, many varieties may appeal to chickens and humans, but all are super nutritious.
Edible Marigolds
I’ll bet you thought that marigolds were just something to grow to keep rabbits away! Not only are they nutritious for chickens, they taste good on salads for humans! Aren’t they pretty? Dare you to try it.
Sweet Potato Greens/Potatoes
Even though chickens shouldn’t eat regular potatoes, both the potato and the leaves of the sweet potato are fine. Sweet potatoes are very nutritious for chickens and humans, but take a little effort to grow. Check out this post to learn how.
Watermelon
Probably one my chicken’s and my favorite foods, watermelon doesn’t need a photo to identify what it looks like! Chickens love it when I put watermelon (rinds and fruit) into the freezer before giving it to them on a hot day. They will eat it right down to the rind!
Hope you find this blog helpful. Please comment and let me know what your chickens favorites are!
Here is a great place to order seeds.
Strainer Lids for jars (Sprouting)
Another option for straining (Sprouting)
Trays for growing Microgreens with Domes
A Kit if you would rather have everything together
Good resource for explaining and growing sprouts versus microgreens
Another great resource for information
Best site for buying seeds: High Mowing Seeds- Microgreens
Other Equipment you might like:
Gardening gloves (these are awesome)
Chicken Related
These are some resources that we are using:
Where to keep the chicks when you first get them!
Cashton Farm Supply for feed and more
Country Life Natural Foods is a great sources for raw nuts and seeds
We are looking at a couple of different options for feed.. so stay tuned for updates
Grow from seed any plants to feed the chickens!
A great resource for leaning about chickens and all other aspects of homestead living!
Heated water bucket for norther winters!
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There are a variety of plants to grow for chickens and humans, however, these are my chicken's top favorites that I like too! Ever since my chickens were babies, I experimented with different types of greens to see what they like the best. Now that