Creating a lovely space around your chicken coop can make your backyard more enjoyable and functional. When you design the area with plants, paths, and decorations, it not only helps your chickens but also adds beauty to your yard.
Landscaping around your chicken coop can improve your chickens’ living space while making your outdoor area more inviting and organized. With some simple ideas, you can turn your coop area into a charming part of your garden that works well for both you and your flock.
In this article, we'll cover
- 1. Create a winding stepping stone pathway to your chicken coop
- 2. Plant companion herbs like basil and mint around the coop
- 3. Add flowering shrubs to attract beneficial insects
- 4. Install a hand-painted wooden sign on your coop
- 5. Use native grasses for natural shade near the run
- 6. Incorporate a small rock garden for drainage and visual interest
- 7. Build a rustic wooden fence with climbing vines
- 8. Design a composting system beneath the coop for waste recycling
- 9. Set up raised garden beds alongside the chicken run
- 10. Add a birdbath near the coop to encourage pollinators
- 11. Plant lavender to deter flies and mosquitoes
- 12. Use marigolds as a natural pest deterrent
- 13. Create shady spots with small ornamental trees
- 14. Integrate edible plants like strawberries near the coop
- 15. Build a pergola with climbing plants over the run
- 16. Add colorful outdoor planters with petunias and pansies
- 17. Use mulch to reduce weeds and mud in and around the coop
- 18. Place logs and stumps for natural chicken perches outside
- 19. Install solar-powered pathway lights for safety and ambiance
- 20. Incorporate a rainwater catchment barrel for watering plants
- 21. Add a pebble or gravel area for dust baths
- 22. Plant rosemary for its strong scent that repels predators
- 23. Create a hedgerow perimeter with thorny bushes for protection
- 24. Use broadleaf evergreens for year-round screening
- 25. Add a small water fountain to increase humidity in dry gardens
1. Create a winding stepping stone pathway to your chicken coop
You can make a simple path using stepping stones that lead to your chicken coop. This helps keep mud off your shoes and adds charm to your yard. A winding path also makes the walk more interesting for you and your visitors.
2. Plant companion herbs like basil and mint around the coop
You can plant herbs like basil and mint near your chicken coop. They help keep bugs away naturally. These herbs also add fresh scents and can improve your chickens’ health in small ways.
Having them nearby makes it easy to harvest whenever you want.
3. Add flowering shrubs to attract beneficial insects
You can plant flowering shrubs near your coop to bring helpful insects. These insects help control pests naturally. Shrubs with bright flowers also add color and life to your garden. This makes the area nicer for both you and your chickens.
4. Install a hand-painted wooden sign on your coop
You can add a personal touch by painting a wooden sign for your chicken coop. Choose simple words or fun phrases that fit your style.
A hand-painted sign brightens up the coop and makes it easy to spot. It’s a small project that adds charm and character to your space.
5. Use native grasses for natural shade near the run
You can plant native grasses around your chicken run to give natural shade. These grasses grow well in your area and need less care. They help keep your chickens cool and add a soft, green space for them to enjoy.
6. Incorporate a small rock garden for drainage and visual interest
You can add a small rock garden near your chicken coop to help with drainage. It keeps water from pooling and makes the area less muddy.
A rock garden also adds a nice look to your yard with little effort. Use stones and drought-tolerant plants to keep it easy to care for.
7. Build a rustic wooden fence with climbing vines
You can build a simple wooden fence around your coop to add charm and function. Use weathered wood for a rustic look that fits well outdoors.
Add climbing vines like peas or flowering plants to grow up the fence. This creates natural shade and saves space in your garden.
8. Design a composting system beneath the coop for waste recycling
You can build a composting system right under your chicken coop to turn waste into rich soil. This helps reduce trash and keeps your garden healthy.
Using deep bedding like straw or wood chips will make composting easier and keep smells down. Your chickens will love scratching through it too!
9. Set up raised garden beds alongside the chicken run
You can place raised garden beds next to your chicken run to save space. This setup lets you grow plants while keeping chickens safe and happy nearby. Raised beds also help with soil drainage and make gardening easier for you.
10. Add a birdbath near the coop to encourage pollinators
Adding a birdbath near your chicken coop can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
These helpful insects improve your garden’s health by pollinating flowers and plants.
A simple birdbath also gives birds a place to drink and cool off, which can add life and activity around your coop.
11. Plant lavender to deter flies and mosquitoes
You can plant lavender around your chicken coop to help keep flies and mosquitoes away. Lavender has a natural smell that insects don’t like.
It’s easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Plus, it adds a nice scent and looks good near your coop.
12. Use marigolds as a natural pest deterrent
You can plant marigolds around your chicken coop to help keep pests away. Their strong smell repels insects like lice and mites. This makes your coop a more comfortable place for your chickens.
13. Create shady spots with small ornamental trees
You can plant small ornamental trees near your chicken coop to give your chickens some shade. These trees provide cool spots during hot days without taking up too much space. Choose trees that grow well in your area and won’t drop too many leaves to keep cleaning easy.
14. Integrate edible plants like strawberries near the coop
You can plant strawberries near your chicken coop to provide fresh treats for your hens. Strawberries grow well in small spaces and add color to the area. Pair them with herbs like basil or onions to help plants grow better together.
15. Build a pergola with climbing plants over the run
You can add shade and a natural look by building a pergola over your chicken run. Use climbing plants like beans or vines to cover it. This helps keep your chickens cooler while making the area more attractive.
16. Add colorful outdoor planters with petunias and pansies
You can brighten your chicken coop area by placing outdoor planters with petunias and pansies nearby. These flowers add color and charm without needing much care. They also attract helpful insects that benefit your garden and chickens.
17. Use mulch to reduce weeds and mud in and around the coop
You can spread mulch around your chicken coop to keep weeds from growing. It helps stop mud, especially when it rains. Mulch also holds moisture in the soil, which is good for plants near the coop.
Make sure to use safe mulch, like straw or wood chips that are not dyed. Some mulches can be harmful to chickens, so choose carefully.
18. Place logs and stumps for natural chicken perches outside
You can add logs and stumps in your chicken run for easy, natural perches. Chickens enjoy climbing and resting on these rough surfaces. They also help your flock stay active and entertained throughout the day.
19. Install solar-powered pathway lights for safety and ambiance
You can add solar-powered pathway lights around your chicken coop to keep the area safe at night. These lights do not need wiring, making them easy to set up.
They also create a warm, welcoming look that makes your coop area feel more inviting. Solar lights save energy since they use sunlight to charge during the day.
20. Incorporate a rainwater catchment barrel for watering plants
You can collect rainwater in a barrel to water plants around your chicken coop. This saves you time from carrying water and helps conserve water.
Place the barrel under a gutter to catch rain easily. Use the water for garden beds or flower pots near your coop.
21. Add a pebble or gravel area for dust baths
You can add a pebble or gravel spot in your chicken run for dust baths. Chickens love to scratch and roll there, which helps keep their feathers clean and free of pests. Make sure the area stays dry and loose for the best results.
22. Plant rosemary for its strong scent that repels predators
You can plant rosemary near your chicken coop to help keep predators away. Its strong scent confuses animals like foxes and some insects. This natural smell acts as a gentle barrier to protect your chickens without harmful chemicals. Rosemary also adds a nice look and smell to your coop area.
23. Create a hedgerow perimeter with thorny bushes for protection
You can plant thorny bushes around your chicken coop to help keep animals away. These bushes act like a natural fence that is hard to pass through. Plus, they add green and look nice in your yard.
24. Use broadleaf evergreens for year-round screening
You can plant broadleaf evergreens like boxwood or rhododendrons around your coop. They keep a green screen all year, giving your chickens privacy and shelter.
These plants also help block wind and reduce noise. They make your coop area look nice without much work.
25. Add a small water fountain to increase humidity in dry gardens
You can add a small water fountain near your chicken coop to help increase humidity. This is especially helpful if your garden is dry. The flowing water adds moisture to the air, making the area more comfortable for your chickens and plants.