Spring is finally here! We’ve been busy in our yard and gardens, getting everything ready for the growing season. Do you enjoy gardening too? Our go-to petunias are already in their pots, our flower beds are full of beautiful blooms, and our food garden is prepped and ready to plant.
Why Gardening with Chickens is Even Better
Gardening is rewarding on its own, but when you garden with chickens, it’s even more fun! Our chicken run is separated from the garden by a fence, but in the spring and fall, we open the gate and let the girls roam free. They scratch, dig and fertilize the soil, preparing it for planting.
Of course, once it’s time to plant, we close the gate to keep the chickens from making a snack out of our garden! A word of advice: always make sure the door is shut—chickens can destroy a garden faster than you think if the gate is left open.
The Benefits of Planting Marigolds in Your Garden
One thing I make sure to do every year is plant marigolds around the perimeter of my garden. These vibrant flowers not only add a pop of color, creating a visually appealing border, but they also offer several practical benefits for both your plants and your chickens.
Marigolds are known for their ability to deter common garden pests. They release a scent that repels certain insects like aphids, nematodes and even mosquitoes. This makes them an excellent companion plant for vegetables, herbs and other flowers, keeping harmful bugs away without the need for chemical pesticides. By planting marigolds, you’re not only protecting your garden but also creating a safer environment for your chickens to roam.
In addition to pest control, marigolds can improve the health of your garden soil. Their roots produce a chemical that can suppress nematodes—microscopic worms that damage plant roots—helping to maintain a healthy garden bed. This also benefits your chickens when they’re scratching and foraging in the garden, as they will be interacting with nutrient-rich, healthier soil.
Most important though, marigolds aren't just beneficial for your garden—they also make a great treat for your chickens!
Why Marigolds are Good for Chickens
The petals of marigolds are packed with antioxidants and nutrients that support your flock’s immune system and overall health. Offering marigolds to your chickens helps boost their immunity, reduces inflammation and may even improve their digestion. As a bonus, feeding marigolds to your chickens will also enhance the color of their egg yolks, giving you those rich, golden eggs that everyone wants!
Marigolds Improve Egg Quality and Health
Did you know that a hen’s diet influences the color and quality of egg yolks? When marigolds are part of a chicken’s diet, they naturally enhance the yolk’s color, turning it a rich, deep yellow. But that’s not all!
A study published in the Journal of Poultry Science found that marigold flower extract not only improves yolk color but also lowers cholesterol levels in the eggs. This means healthier hens and healthier eggs for us humans. Amazing, right?
How to Incorporate Marigolds Into Your Chicken’s Diet
Next time you're at the garden center, don’t forget to pick up some marigolds! They’re affordable, easy to grow and offer incredible health benefits for your chickens. Plus, they make your garden look beautiful.
If you’re not into gardening, no worries! You can still give your flock the benefits of marigolds with Golden Graze™.
Golden Graze: A Healthy Treat for Your Chickens
Golden Graze is packed with marigold petals, offering your flock the same benefits of marigolds without the need for a garden. This nutritious treat also includes oyster shells for added calcium, flaxseed for Omega-3s and a variety of multigrains that your chickens will love.
I use Golden Graze regularly in our coop, and the results speak for themselves—rich golden yolks and healthy, happy hens!
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady
Golden Graze - For Quality Eggs & Golden Yolks Golden Graze is a daily chicken snack that promotes quality eggs with golden yolks and Omega-3 fatty acids. It contains oregano essential oils, multi-grains, cracked corn, oyster shells, marigold petals and flaxseed. Treat your hens to this healthy snack and enjoy eggsellent eggs.