A few weeks ago, the kids and I planted seedlings for the garden. We placed three seeds in each planting hole, hoping that at least one would germinate. We grew terrific seedlings, in fact too many! It was time to thin out the seedlings. Thinned seedlings make a tasty and nutritious snack for the chickens.
Sometime more than one seed will grow from that same planting hole. If there are too many plants close together, they will compete for nutrients and sunlight. The end result will be smaller plants that do not thrive as a solo one would. Thus, with a pair of scissors, we chose the best plant in each area and snipped the others out.
Some favorites of the chickens were added to the bowl including nasturtium, cucumbers, lettuce, anise, sunflowers, and bean sprouts. We avoided the eggplant and the tomato seedlings. Their leaves are poisonous to chickens.
The girls went wild as I tossed in the seedlings. Seedlings make a very healthy treat for your flock.
Plus, I’d rather give them to the chickens than toss them in the composter anyday!
Photo Credit: Tilly’s Nest
