Living with Livestock
Many people think of a garden with vegetables and fruits, but did you know that a garden can also contain livestock as well and the livestock can actually be beneficial to your growing needs in your garden.
I have posted in the past about how chickens can help control insects within your garden but keeping goats, horses and even donkeys and lambs can help you garden as well. The manure from these livestock animals can help your garden grow to new heights and levels that you never imagined before.
Farm animals need love and care and plenty of space to roam freely within your landscape. It is easy to keep cats and even dogs, but larger livestock needs much more room. Some of the best animals to keep and that will overall benefit your garden are:
• Donkeys: They love attention and their manure can help even the most delicate plants. Their manure is organic fertilizer to many plants and can help clear away debris in many over-grown areas on your property as well.
• Goats: Goats are a great asset to your garden and they can even help clear away debris much like the donkeys can. If you get milking goats you can even sell their milk to people interested.
• Chickens: The best bet is to get hand-raised chickens so they are not afraid of you and can be held without hurting anyone. They help to control pests and other insect issues.
• Sheep and Lamb: Sheep are a great way to keep large fields and pastures at a minimum, but if you are worried about coyotes getting to them, invest your money in a llama as well.
To learn more visit The Resource Room.
March 9th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
As a city girl, I never learned about the sensible connection between livestock and gardens/farms until I was grown up. It’s sad that we’ve moved so far from our agricultural roots that you have to explain the symbiotic way manure and plants can co-exist. Instead, we buy ammonium nitrate and dump our dog poop in the trash. At least I’ve learned how to compost.
March 27th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Donkeys also love crackers!