The 8 Best Plants to Plant Around Chicken Coop of 2026

Eaton Pet and Pasture Premium Nesting Herbs are a thoughtfully crafted blend designed to enhance your chicken coop environment. Made from a mix of calendula, basil, lavender, blue cornflower, lemon balm, rose petals, and rosemary, this product aims to deliver both aromatic freshness and natural pest control. It's aimed at backyard chicken keepers who prioritize natural, chemical-free solutions for their flock.

The standout feature is its powerful yet pleasant scent. Users consistently report that the herbs smell amazing and effectively mask coop odors. Beyond fragrance, the herbs act as a natural deterrent for common pests like flies and mites. Many reviewers also note that their chickens enjoy interacting with the herbs, which adds a layer of enrichment. While some customers wished the bag were larger, the product is praised for its quality and freshness compared to cheaper alternatives.

Design and build quality are evident from the moment you open the bag. The herbs arrive in a resealable package with minimal plastic, using biodegradable and compostable materials. Each batch is hand-packed with care, which aligns with the brand's farmer-owned, American-made ethos. The herbs are appropriately sized for nesting boxes and coop floors, and the resealable closure helps maintain freshness between uses.

There are a few honest drawbacks to consider. The price point is higher than some competing products, which may not fit every budget. A few reviewers also mentioned that the bag doesn't go as far as they'd like, especially for larger coops. International customers have noted that shipping costs can be a deterrent, making it less accessible outside the United States. However, these concerns are minor when weighed against the product's overall performance and natural composition.

Verdict: Eaton Pet and Pasture Premium Nesting Herbs deliver on their promise of a fresh-smelling, pest-resistant coop with high-quality, natural ingredients. If you're willing to invest a bit more for a premium product that supports sustainable practices and your chickens' well-being, this blend is well worth the purchase.

The Mountain Valley Seed Company No-Till Garden Cover Crop Mix is exactly what you need if you want to improve your soil without a lot of fuss. This 5-pound bag contains a thoughtful blend of nine seeds, including hairy vetch, daikon radish, triticale, and more. It's designed for no-till gardening, raised beds, containers, and even large farm plots. Whether you're a home gardener or managing a bigger space, this mix makes it easy to boost fertility and suppress weeds naturally.

What really sets this product apart is how well it performs. One reviewer in Northwest Georgia said the forage shot up to knee high in just six weeks after a September sowing. Another gardener in California used it to fight persistent Bermuda buttercup and after a few months the cover crop took over, leaving a beautiful green carpet. The germination is fast, often within a week, and the variety of seeds means you get both quick ground cover and deep root action. The daikon radish breaks up compacted soil, while the legumes fix nitrogen so your next planting gets a real head start.

The mix is straightforward to use: just broadcast the seeds over prepared soil, rake lightly, and water. The pre-inoculated seeds save you an extra step, and the packaging includes clear seeding rates (2-4 lbs per 1000 sq ft). Most users found it easy to manage, though some noted that a few of the larger seeds, like peas, didn't always sprout. That's a minor quibble given the overall success rate. And if you have aggressive weeds like the buttercup, you might need an extra round of weeding, but the cover crop holds its own.

On the downside, some plants in this mix can become persistent. A reviewer in zone 7 mentioned that the cover crop didn't overwinter in shade but did fine in sun. Also, if you let it go to seed, you may get volunteers in your next crop. That's common with cover crops, so just cut or till it in before seeds set. The 5-pound bag covers about 600 square feet, which is a good size for most gardens or small plots.

Overall, this is a solid value. The mix is diverse, the germination is excellent, and the benefits to your soil are tangible. Mountain Valley Seed Company has been in the game since 1974, and it shows in the quality. We'd recommend it to any gardener looking to improve soil health, suppress weeds, or add organic matter without complicated work. Just scatter it and let nature do the rest.

The Pest Defense 6 Pack from SurvivalGardenSeeds is a thoughtfully curated set of heirloom seeds designed to help you manage garden pests naturally. It includes catnip, marigold, hyssop, basil, lavender, and petunia - six plants known for their pest-repelling and pollinator-attracting properties. This pack is perfect for organic gardeners, beginners, or anyone looking to reduce chemical use in their outdoor or indoor spaces.

What sets this collection apart is the careful selection of varieties that work together. Catnip repels mosquitoes and aphids, marigold deters cabbage moths and hornworms, and lavender keeps flies and ticks at bay. Meanwhile, basil and petunia add beauty and fragrance while supporting bees and butterflies. The seeds are heirloom, non-GMO, and open-pollinated, which means you can save seeds from your harvest for future planting - a big plus for sustainability-minded growers.

In terms of quality, SurvivalGardenSeeds is a family-owned US business that tests each batch for germination. The seed packets come with clear instructions, making it easy to start indoors or direct sow. The expected bloom period runs from spring to fall, giving you months of pest protection and visual appeal. The plants are low maintenance and thrive in full sun with moderate watering, suitable for USDA zones 4-9.

One honest drawback is that not every seed type germinates at the same speed. Lavender, for instance, can be slow and may need cold stratification for best results. Also, while these plants help deter pests, they are not a silver bullet - severe infestations may still require additional measures. But for most home gardens, this mix provides a solid, chemical-free foundation.

Overall, the Pest Defense 6 Pack is a smart investment for anyone wanting to grow a more resilient garden. It combines practicality with beauty, and the heirloom quality adds long-term value. If you're looking for an easy, natural way to protect your plants while supporting pollinators, this seed collection is an excellent choice.

Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Indoor, Outdoor

Brand: SURVIVAL GARDEN SEEDS

Material Feature: GMO Free, Heirloom

Color: Multicolor

Special Feature: Attracts Pollinators, Fragrant, High Germination Rate, Low Maintenance, Pest Resistant

Expected Blooming Period: Spring to Fall

Sunlight Exposure: Full Sun

Unit Count: 6.0 Count

Expected Planting Period: Spring to Summer

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9

Expected Plant Height: 18 Inches

Soil Type: Loam Soil

Moisture Needs: Moderate Watering

Number of Pieces: 6

Seed Treatment Method: Untreated

Product Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 0.24 inches

Item Weight: 0.704 ounces

Manufacturer: JD Hardware LLC

ASIN: B0F3P619T2

Gardening with Chickens is a beautifully illustrated guide that bridges the gap between two popular homesteading hobbies: gardening and raising backyard hens. Written by Lisa Steele, the founder of the trusted blog Fresh Eggs Daily, this book is designed for anyone who wants their chickens and garden to coexist harmoniously. Whether you are a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting out, the advice here is practical, well-organized, and rooted in real-world experience.

The standout feature of this book is its emphasis on planning and purpose. Steele includes a dozen themed garden plans, such as one focused on producing vibrant orange egg yolks and another on growing herbs for the nesting box. Each plan is accompanied by specific plant lists, layout tips, and timing advice. Beyond aesthetics, the book dives into the functional benefits of integrating chickens into the garden: using them for composting, aeration, and natural pest control. The sections on herbal feed supplements are especially valuable, explaining how specific herbs can boost immunity, digestion, and egg nutrition.

Design-wise, the book is a sturdy paperback with 176 pages filled with clear photographs and charming illustrations. The layout is easy to navigate, with sidebars and bullet-point lists that make key information easy to find. Steele also addresses practical challenges, like protecting young plants from curious hens, with creative solutions such as window boxes, vertical gardens, and repurposed pallet planters. The writing is friendly and conversational, which makes the content feel accessible rather than overwhelming.

If there is a drawback, it is that the book is tailored specifically to chicken owners. General gardeners who do not keep hens might find only a portion of the content relevant. Additionally, some of the garden plans assume that chickens have at least partial free-range access, which may not apply to everyone. The specifications do not list a digital edition, so readers looking for an e-book version will need to check other sources.

Overall, Gardening with Chickens is an indispensable resource for anyone who wants to create a productive, beautiful garden while keeping their flock healthy and happy. It earns high marks for its expert author, thorough coverage, and sincere appreciation for the symbiotic relationship between plants and poultry. If you keep chickens and love to garden, this book deserves a spot on your shelf.

KVITER's 100 Red Trumpet Vine Seeds offer gardeners a straightforward way to grow a native perennial climber that's as functional as it is beautiful. The Campsis radicans, also known as trumpet creeper, is a vigorous woody vine that can quickly scale fences, trellises, and arbors, reaching up to 30 feet tall. This variety is especially popular for its ability to attract hummingbirds with its bright red, trumpet-shaped blooms that appear from summer into fall. It's a great choice for anyone looking to add vertical color, create a natural privacy screen, or stabilize soil on slopes.

The standout feature here is the 90% germination rate, which KVITER claims with pre-soaking the seeds for 24 hours and sowing them in warm soil (70°F or higher). For a vine that's often grown from cuttings or layered stems, having seed-grown options with such high success is a real plus. The plants are hardy to -4°F and perform well in USDA zones 4 through 10, meaning they can survive cold winters and come back strong each spring. Once established, the thick root system also provides natural erosion control, making it a practical addition to sloped gardens.

In terms of design and build, the seeds come in a standard packet with clear planting instructions. The package is lightweight and compact, ideal for storage. The seeds themselves are untreated and heirloom quality, so you can save seeds from year to year without worrying about genetic modification. That said, potential buyers should be aware of the vine's vigor: in warmer zones, trumpet creeper can become invasive if not kept in check with annual pruning. It's best to plant it where you want it to stay, as removing established roots can be tricky.

One honest drawback is that there are currently no customer reviews for this specific product, so real-world feedback on germination and growth patterns is limited. Also, the need for pre-soaking and warm soil may be an extra step for some, but it's a minor effort for the reward. Overall, if you're after a fast-growing, pollinator-friendly vine that can handle tough conditions, KVITER's Red Trumpet Vine seeds are a reliable, budget-friendly option that deliver on their promises.

The Barenbrug Free Range GroundCover Forage Seed Mixture is a thoughtfully blended seed mix designed to give your backyard livestock a healthy, natural food source. This 3-pound bag contains a variety of grass, clover, and forage species that sprout quickly and provide a continuous supply of greens for chickens, game birds, goats, and sheep. Whether you're looking to supplement your animals' diet or create a dedicated grazing area, this mix offers a practical solution.

The standout feature is its fast germination. Many users report seeing growth within 3 to 5 days, with full coverage in about two weeks. This quick turnaround makes it ideal for those who want to establish forage without a long wait. The blend itself is diverse, including ryegrass and clover, which are highly palatable and nutritious. You can sow it in trays, chicken runs, pastures, or even in orchard alleyways and vineyard rows, giving you flexibility in how you use it.

In terms of performance, the seed thrives best in sunny, well-drained spots. It also works well in grazing boxes or under wire covers to prevent chickens from scratching out the seedlings. Reviews consistently praise its ability to attract and satisfy animals, with chickens devouring the greens. Some users noted that it struggled in wet, heavy clay soil or over winter, so proper site preparation and drainage are important. The seed's coverage rate (1-2 lbs per 1,000 sq ft) means a single bag can cover a substantial area, offering good value for the price.

The build and design of the product are straightforward: a sealed bag of high-quality seed from Barenbrug, a company with decades of experience in pasture and forage mixes. There are no extras or chemicals, just the seed blend. The main drawback is that it may not be a permanent groundcover in challenging environments; it's best treated as a seasonal forage crop that can be replanted as needed. Some customers found that it didn't survive winter in soggy backyards, but it performed well in sunnier, drier spots.

Overall, the Barenbrug Free Range GroundCover Forage Seed Mixture delivers on its promise of fast, animal-friendly forage. It's an excellent choice for anyone raising poultry, goats, or sheep who wants to offer fresh greens and encourage natural foraging behavior. Just be realistic about your soil conditions and climate. If you have a well-drained area with decent sunlight, this seed will likely exceed expectations. For challenging spots, you might need to amend the soil or try a different approach. But for most backyard setups, it's a reliable, cost-effective option that keeps your animals happy and healthy.

BuggyBeds 2000+ Mixed Candytuft Flower Seeds deliver exactly what you'd want from a ground cover perennial: loads of seeds, reliable germination, and beautiful blooms without a lot of fuss. These seeds produce a mix of white, pink, and lavender flowers that attract butterflies and bees while naturally repelling deer and rabbits. If you're looking to fill a sunny or partially shaded spot with low-growing color that comes back year after year, this is a solid choice.

The standout quality here is the sheer quantity of seed and the high germination rate. One early tester reported a 100 percent sprout rate in a damp paper towel, which is a strong indicator of seed freshness. Once planted, candytuft grows to about 12 inches tall and spreads into a dense mat that crowds out weeds. It's drought tolerant and thrives in poor, sandy soil, making it ideal for rock gardens, borders, or covering bare patches where other plants struggle.

Design and build are straightforward: the seeds come in a small clear packet inside a resealable bag. There's no fancy packaging or detailed growing guide, but that's fine for experienced gardeners. The main drawback is the seed size - they're incredibly tiny, so scattering them evenly takes a steady hand. A seed spreader or mixing with sand can help. Also, you get a mix of colors, so if you're after a single hue, this isn't for you.

Overall, BuggyBeds has packed a lot of value into this seed packet. The combination of pollinator appeal, deer and rabbit resistance, and low maintenance makes it a practical choice for both new and seasoned gardeners. Just give them a little patience and consistent moisture until they establish, and you'll be rewarded with a carpet of charming flowers that keep the garden alive for months.