A few months ago, it struck me that after three years of kitchen scraps and chicken manure, the best soil to be found on our house block was to be found in the chicken coop.
So I kicked the chickens out, and proceeded to cage the veggies instead.
And I planted...
And planted...
And planted!
After 8 weeks of growing, things are really starting to come on. It was definitely a good decision -these vegetables are by far the healthiest in my garden, and I've really been able to plant a lot of winter (for us) vegetables. Most of the things in here are not permanent, because when we get our heavy summer rain the coop will flood and be more suitable for ducks than anything else. 
Apart from the existing lime tree, and the lovely ornamental potato vine (pictured above), here's what is new and growing in the coop now:
curly kale
cos lettuce
radishes
cabbage
broccoli
cauliflower
green zucchini
black zucchini
parsley
celery
bok choy
pak choy
carrots
eggplants
banana plant
mustard
beans
peas
silverbeet
beetroot
spinach
potatoes
tomatoes that popped up
and of course, several as yet unidentified subjects.
The chicken coop garden is in the back right corner of our yard, and in winter gets full sun in the mornings, then dappled sun until the afternoon when it gets full sun again. In summer it doesn't get too much sun at all, with the poinciana tree providing dappled shade.
And that's it - the chicken coop garden.
Oh and the chickens! Don't worry, they got themselves a brand new shed to sleep in and are now allowed to free range in the rest of the backyard.
17 comments:
I want to see the chicken's new house. This garden is fantastic...just goes to show what a bit of good chicken poo can doo.
I will send my ducks up to you for the flooding season.
I am itching (not Hazel-like!) to plant up our chook run, but then I have to formulate alternative housing arrangements for our chickens while I utilise their immediate foraging ground. Tis a problem with using an eBay cubby house that was constructed by a builder...they are not easy to move around!
Ali Love it the Chicken Coop with the chicken poop garden I am really jealous of people with chickens I have seious chicken envy ;)
That is one amazing list of veggies! I am a believer in the value of chicken poo as well, although I have to make do with the dried pelleted type. Maybe you should plant some rice too, in time for the rains?
Maybe is Summer the chickens can be let loose back in their old stomping ground. They'll clean up any bugs and give you back even more fertiliser for next Winter.
Oh, now you're just showing off!!
I want to move somewhere sub-tropical!!
Oh dixiebelle, just think of all the fabulous things that do well in cooler climates. I am dying to grow Brussels sprouts and kiwi fruit, but it's not cold enough here :(
Missy that is a really good idea, imagine how much fun the chickens would have in there scratching it up! Chicken paradise, and zero hard work for me :)
What a great idea! I bet the chickens love their new found freedom too. :)
Ali,
Seeing your list of veggies, I am now hanging my head in shame! The only things planted on our new allotment are my tears of disappointment. A brilliant post, and great idea with the chicken manure...nice piccies too!
Your situation is great summary of my mixed feelings about chickens. I'd love the free manure and the scrap consumption, but I'm afraid of what they would do to my veggies.
Your solution is genius!
What a fantastic idea. Your garden is gorgeous. I found you on This and That by Susan she is right you have a great blog. B
I'm so envious of your winter garden! Looks fabulous. I want a look at your new chook house too!
I too have chicken envy - gosh you have a huge variety growing in your garden.
Good stuff Ali - wish we could be a little more portable with our hen house. Great concept.
Thanks guys - my new chicken coop is very boring, but very practical, which when thinking about it, isn't really like me at all :) After they were attacked I knew I had to get them something a little more secure than what they had, so I bought them a shed to sleep in. Very cosy and secure, but yes, aesthetically uninspiring!
Gary I am going to have to visit your blog and find out about the tears - although I do hope they don't multiply :)
Great idea! I'm starting to think there's some value in caging veggies to keep the wildlife out!
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