Gardening Guide for Pet-Friendly Gardens

Home Care
June 20, 2023

Why Start a Garden?

Gardening is not only a fun activity to engage in, but it can also be a great stress reliever. Studies have shown that home gardening can lead to numerous benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, satisfaction and pride, increased self-esteem, courage to do things differently in life, and important education or learning opportunities.

How Can I Make My Garden Pet-Friendly?

For pet owners, gardening may present some challenges, as certain plants and fertilizers can be harmful to animals. But, that doesn’t mean that creating a pet-friendly garden isn’t an easy or enjoyable process! Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose the Right Plants: When planning your garden, it’s important to consider the safety of your pets. Select plants that are harmless and non-toxic for them to be around and consume. Some plants can pose a danger to them. Opt for pet-friendly options like marigolds, sunflowers, roses, and snapdragons.
Don’t Use Harmful Pesticides: Although pesticides may keep unwanted bugs off of your cucumbers, they can cause serious reproductive and respiratory harm! Dogs and cats can be adversely affected if you choose to use certain pesticides in your garden. When purchasing these items, read the labels carefully and select those that are pet-friendly. Alternatively, consider using organic types of pesticides and fertilizers to maintain a healthy garden while also keeping your pets safe. Or, you may want to avoid using them altogether!
Avoid Hot Sauce: Although this may seem like an archaic recommendation, many plant bloggers advocate for hot sauce in your garden.. sort o. The purpose of spraying diluted hot sauce in your garden is to prevent bunnies from eating your plants! Unfortunately, if your pet likes to chomp on your tomatoes, this may not be a good idea.

Is Mulch Safe for Dogs and Cats?

Generally, yes, mulch is pet-friendly. However, our furry friends sometimes like to eat mulch, and that can be incredibly toxic to dogs – especially if the mulch is artificially dyed. Mulch can be made from a variety of materials, some of which may be toxic to pets.

What Should I Grow in My Garden that is Pet-Friendly?

When it comes to planting a pet-friendly garden, there are numerous options to choose from. Some pet-friendly plants to consider include: marigolds, sunflowers, roses, snapdragons, zinnias, petunias, pansies, and herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley.