From Seed to Supper (and Scratch!): Greenhouse Grub for My Feathered and Foodie Family

Howdy, howdy, gardening gurus and chicken enthusiasts! Crissy O here, back with a blog post bursting with seeds, sprouts, and clucking good ideas! Today, we're venturing into the wonderful world of my greenhouse – a haven for nurturing not just my green thumb, but also my family's taste buds and my feathered friends' happy tummies!

You see, this greenhouse ain't just for show (although let's be honest, my venus flytrap collection is pretty spectacular). It's a feast factory for both my human and avian loved ones!

Planting Power for the Pecking Crew:

Let's talk chicken scratch superstars! Kale, collard greens, and juicy lettuces – all these feathery favorites can be easily grown from seed in my greenhouse or from cuttings from your store purchases.  These leafy greens are packed with vitamins and goodness, keeping my flock healthy, happy, and laying like little egg-cellent machines!

But wait, there's more! Herbs like basil, oregano, and dill are cluck-worthy additions to their diet too. Not only do they add a delightful pop of flavor to their scratch, but some herbs are even known to have natural health benefits for our feathered friends. Don't toss out those bell pepper seeds! Plant them rascals in some potting soil. 

From Seed to Supper for the Two-Legged Crew:

Now, let's not forget about my lovely human family! My greenhouse is a haven for starting seeds for all sorts of deliciousness. Imagine homegrown tomatoes bursting with flavor, crisp cucumbers perfect for summer salads, and don't even get me started on the possibilities for peppers (both sweet and spicy for those who like a kick!). If it can be rooted then do it. “Tater” slips rooted and grown for some yummy baked potatoes or taters as we call them. Beans, peas, squash, tomatoes, ginger! Plant them seeds ya'll. 

Greenhouse Grub: A Win-Win for All!

Here's the clucking fantastic thing about this whole greenhouse gig: It's a win-win for everyone! My family gets to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce bursting with flavor and nutrition. The chickens get a steady supply of healthy, homegrown treats to keep them happy and laying. Plus, I get the satisfaction of nurturing life from a tiny seed to a delicious bounty. You can do the same thing too. It's not out of reach as you think. You may not can put up a greenhouse or homemade hoop house but there are things you can do with a simple window sill, patio, deck, vertical grow pots or porch area. Don't knock it til you try it. Just try it at least once. 

Getting Started with Your Own Greenhouse Grub Hub:

Feeling inspired to create your own coop-friendly greenhouse? Here are some Crissy O power tips:

• Pick Your Plants Wisely: Research what veggies and herbs your chickens love and what thrives in your climate. If your family will also enjoy and benefit from eating it also. Think fresh and healthy. 
• Start Small: Don't overwhelm yourself! Begin with a few seed trays and expand as you get the hang of things. Seeds trays are reusable so pick what you can manage to do. 
• Give Them Light: Seedlings need lots of sunshine. Maximize natural light in your greenhouse, or invest in some grow lights. If you're gonna do it then do it right so you're not disappointed when things don't grow. A window sill is still a good way to offer your plants natural light if you can't afford the other options. 
• Water Wisely: Overwatering is a rookie mistake. Seedlings need moist soil, not soggy bottoms! Your seed trays will use the water from the bottom methods so do that and keep up with it. 

So there you have it, folks! Greenhouse gardening is a fantastic way to provide a steady stream of delicious, nutritious food for both your family and your feathered flock. It's good for your wallet, good for your health, and good for keeping those happy hens happy! Until next time, keep on growing (and keep on clucking)!

You can watch the youtube vlog to see what we did and then subscribe for more of our projects! 

Green thumbs up for ya'll and have a delicious day!

Crissy O 

Watch the video here: