Like most people this time of year, my chicken run is basically bare soil… or let’s be honest—bare dirt.
When we did our fall and spring coop clean-outs, all that bedding went straight into the run so the chickens could do what chickens do best: scratch, mix, and break it all down. The plan? Turn our roughly 200′ x 36′ chicken yard (it’s more round, but close enough) into a lush little oasis of trees, shrubs, and plants for the flock to lounge under, peck at, and enjoy all year long. And honestly, what better soil prep is there than a few months of chickens working over their own compost?
At this point the bedding has completely broken down. You’d never know it was there. The only things that survived the winter are a few pokey grassy weeds and their beautiful black cherry tree. In other words… we’ve got a blank slate.
So this morning I set up two “chicken salad bars.”
This little experiment is meant to test a couple of things. First, if they pick the plants clean (which they are well on their way to doing), will the plants grow back? The general theory says yes. Second, is the soil ready to plant in, or does the bedding need a little more time to mellow out?
Because losing a few test plants to hot nitrogen is fine. Losing a bunch of trees and shrubs would be… significantly less fine.
For now though, the chickens are absolutely thrilled with their first offerings. The test plants are alfalfa, clover, peppermint, and lemon balm.
And yes, I am fully aware that planting anything in the mint family directly in the ground can be… let’s say enthusiastic in its growth habits. But in this case? If I end up with 7,000 square feet of peppermint and lemon balm with a few trees poking out here and there, I will absolutely call that a win.
Now I want to see your green chicken runs!
Share photos, ideas, plants that worked (or didn’t). I’m collecting inspiration while I turn this dirt patch into chicken paradise.
