Garden companions
Chickens
A diverse range of companions, from bacteria and fungi to insects, birds, and mammals can greatly enhance garden health and resilience by supporting soil vitality, controlling pests, and encouraging pollination. Adding these beneficial organisms helps create a balanced ecosystem that supports both plant growth and overall biodiversity.
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Bunnies
For example, soil microbes like bacteria and fungi enrich soil structure and nutrient availability; beneficial insects such as ladybugs, bees, and lacewings pollinate crops and naturally manage pest populations; birds and mammals (like wrens and hedgehogs) feed on common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical controls. To encourage these allies, plant a variety of flowers and herbs, provide habitat and water sources, and avoid pesticides to create an inviting environment for beneficial life.
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Insects
Furthermore, chickens and bunnies can further enhance garden health and diversity by providing natural pest control and nutrient-rich manure that supports soil fertility. Chickens help manage insect pests while their nitrogen-rich manure boosts plant nutrition; bunnies offer high-quality manure that can be applied directly to the garden, promoting robust plant growth. Both can accelerate composting by breaking down organic waste, and when managed properly, they peacefully coexist with other beneficial garden companions like bacteria, fungi, birds, and insects, contributing to a thriving, resilient ecosystem.
Fungi
By purposefully welcoming and supporting a range of organisms, gardeners foster an ecosystem that is more robust against disease, pests, and environmental stressors, while also promoting sustainability and productivity.