Why Your Garden Needs Chickens

by Brett Kerley, with photographs by Sam Goerz

Raising chickens in your garden is more than just a charming hobby — it is a practical, environmentally friendly practice that can transform the health and productivity of your outdoor spaces. In Edmonton’s climate and growing conditions, integrating chickens into your garden management strategy can yield significant benefits. Here’s a look at why gardeners could consider keeping a few feathered friends.

Natural Pest Control

Chickens are natural foragers, and their appetite for insects can be a boon for Edmonton gardeners facing common pests like slugs, beetles, grasshoppers, and even ticks. Allowing chickens controlled access to garden beds can significantly reduce pest populations without resorting to chemical interventions, preserving beneficial insect populations and maintaining ecological balance.

Benefit: Sustainable, chemical-free pest control that supports garden biodiversity.

Enhanced Soil Fertility

Chicken manure is exceptionally rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — the three essential nutrients for plant growth. Properly composted chicken manure creates a powerful organic fertilizer ideal for Edmonton’s often sandy or clay-heavy soils, enhancing structure, water retention, and microbial life.

Benefit: Nutrient-rich, organic soil amendments that promote vigorous plant growth.

Chickens Are Efficient Composting Partners

Chickens naturally aid in composting by scratching and turning piles of organic matter, which aerates the compost and accelerates decomposition. Adding chicken manure and bedding to your compost bin helps generate the high temperatures needed to break down materials safely and quickly, producing rich, dark humus perfect for Edmonton gardens.

Benefit: Faster composting with minimal effort, reducing landfill waste and creating superior garden soil.

Effective Weed Management

Weed control is an ongoing challenge for Edmonton gardeners. Chickens help by consuming a variety of weeds and seeds before they take root, minimizing the spread of invasive species. Their scratching behavior disturbs weed seedlings, reducing the need for herbicides or manual weeding.

Benefit: A natural approach to minimizing unwanted plants, saving time and effort.

Fresh, Nutritious Eggs

Garden-fresh eggs are richer in flavor and nutrition than their commercial counterparts. Chickens fed on garden greens, insects, and supplemental grains lay eggs with vibrant yolks, higher omega-3 fatty acids, and more vitamins A and E.

Benefit: Access to high-quality, homegrown food with known origins.

Reduce Household Waste

Chickens eagerly consume vegetable scraps, fruit peels, stale bread, and other kitchen waste. This diversion reduces the amount of organic matter sent to Edmonton landfills and transforms it into valuable eggs and manure.

Benefit: Lower household waste and a more sustainable food cycle.

Soil Aeration

When managed appropriately, chickens can be a helpful tool for light soil tilling. Their scratching naturally aerates the topsoil, which improves water infiltration and root development. In Edmonton’s heavy clay areas, this can be particularly beneficial.

Benefit: Improved soil structure without mechanical tillers.

Educational Opportunities

Raising chickens offers hands-on lessons about ecology, responsibility, and sustainable living. Families, school gardens, and community groups across Edmonton have found that keeping chickens provides valuable educational experiences.

Benefit: A living laboratory for environmental education and community building.

Enriching the Garden Atmosphere

Chickens add life and movement to the garden, offering entertainment and a deeper connection to nature. Their gentle clucking and busy behavior create a dynamic, relaxing environment that enhances the gardening experience.

Benefit: An engaging and lively garden environment that nurtures mental well-being.

To enjoy the benefits of chickens while protecting your plants and maintaining neighborly relations, follow these guidelines:

• Rotational Grazing: Use portable chicken tractors or movable runs to limit foraging time in each area, preventing over-scratching.
• Seasonal Timing: Allow chickens into garden beds after harvest in the fall to clean up pests and weeds without damaging crops.
• Protect Sensitive Areas: Install low fencing or mesh covers around young seedlings and delicate plants.
• Balanced Nutrition: Provide a well-rounded diet, including commercial feed, oyster shells for calcium, and plenty of fresh water.
• Shelter and Safety: Build sturdy coops that offer protection from Edmonton’s predators and fluctuating temperatures.
• City Regulations: In Edmonton, ensure compliance with municipal bylaws that govern backyard chickens, including limits on flock size and requirements for care. Residents must complete a hen-keeping course approved by the City of Edmonton and obtain a Hen Licence.

• City of Edmonton Urban Hen Program: Information on licensing, hen-keeping courses, and bylaws.
• River City Chickens Collective: A community group that advocates for and educates about urban hen-keeping.
• Edmonton Public Library: Resources and books on backyard chicken care available for borrowing.

Chickens and gardens are a natural pairing, especially in Edmonton’s dynamic growing environment. From enriching soil and controlling pests to educating young gardeners and providing fresh eggs, chickens offer a wealth of benefits. With thoughtful planning and care, integrating chickens into your garden can lead to a more sustainable, resilient, and joyful gardening experience. I’ve only scratched the surface with this article so do some more digging and you’ll get the full enjoyment of raising chickens in your Edmonton yard.

Egg-citing times await, so peck your way to garden glory and happy gardening!