How to plan a flower and vegetable garden with dogs in mind

Gardening is a rewarding and fulfilling activity that can bring joy and fresh produce to your table. However, for dog owners, the experience can be a bit more challenging as dogs tend to be curious creatures that love to explore and play in the garden. They love to “help” really by digging holes, chewing on plants, and rolling around in the soil. This can cause damage to your garden and potentially harm your dogs as well. If you’re a dog owner who wants to have a thriving flower and vegetable garden, you can make it happen by following these tips and learn how to garden with dogs.

How to plan a flower and vegetable garden with dogs in mind

Choose the right location

When selecting a location for your garden, consider the amount of sunlight and shade it will receive, as well as its proximity to your home and your dog’s favorite play area. You should also look for a location that is protected from strong winds, which can damage delicate plants. If your dog loves to play and run around in the garden, you may want to choose a location that is away from the main play area. This will prevent your pet from disturbing the soil and damaging your plants. 

You may want to consider investing in (or building) a tall raised-bed garden. Or alternatively, planting in large containers. Containers can be moved out of the way from your dog and hopefully less susceptible to a dog who loves to dig. 

Create a physical barrier

A physical barrier is an effective way to keep your dogs out of your garden and protect your plants. There are many options to choose from, including fences, raised garden beds, and stone walls.

Fences are the most common type of physical barrier and can be made of a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or plastic. To keep your dogs out, the fence should be at least 4 feet tall and have no gaps or spaces that they can squeeze through.

Raised garden beds are another option that can help keep your dogs out of your garden. By elevating your plants, you can make it more difficult for your pet to reach them. You can also use stones, bricks, or pavers to create a low wall around your raised bed.

Even some netting wrapped around your plants are a good option. 

Use natural deterrents

Natural deterrents are a safe and effective way to keep your dogs out of your garden without harming them. Some popular natural deterrents include:

• Plants with a strong scent: Certain plants, such as lavender, rosemary, and marigolds, have a strong scent that dogs dislike. You can plant these around the perimeter of your garden to keep your pet out.
• Vinegar: Most dogs hate the smell of vinegar, so you can use it to create a barrier around your garden. Simply mix equal parts water and vinegar and spray it around the perimeter of your garden.
• Coffee grounds: Coffee grounds are another natural deterrent that dogs dislike. Sprinkle them around the perimeter of your garden to keep your pet out.

Plant dog-friendly flowers and vegetables

When you are planning a garden with dogs in mind, you will need to learn those plants that are potentially toxic to dogs. But you can have a garden that your dog can enjoy as well by planting dog-friendly flowers and vegetables. Some of the best options include:

• Herbs: Herbs like basil, mint, and parsley are not only great for cooking, but they’re also safe for dogs. Your pet can enjoy sniffing and nibbling on these plants without any harm.
• Lettuce and spinach: Lettuce and spinach are two vegetables that are safe for dogs to eat. You can plant these in a separate area of your garden so your pet can snack on them without damaging your other plants.
• Flowers: Snapdragons, pansies, sunflowers, and zinnias are not only beautiful and bright, but they’re also safe for dogs. 

Train your dog

Training your dog is an important step in keeping them out of your garden. Training your dog to stay out of your garden will not only protect your plants, but it will also keep your pet safe. Start by teaching your dog basic commands, such as “stay” and “leave it.” You can use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to reinforce good behavior.

In addition to basic training, you can also train your dog to respect the boundaries of your garden. You can start by establishing a designated area for your pet to play and explore, and then gradually increasing the distance between that area and your garden. With time and patience, your dog will learn to stay away from your plants and flowers.

It’s important to note that not all dogs will respond to training in the same way, so it may take some time and patience to find the right training method for your pet.

Monitor your dog’s behavior

Monitoring your dog’s behavior is key to preventing them from damaging your garden. Keep a close eye on your pet and observe their behavior in and around your garden. If you notice any destructive behavior, intervene and redirect your dog to a different area of your yard.

It’s also important to supervise your dog while they’re outside. This will allow you to quickly respond to any problem behavior and prevent it from becoming a habit.

Use pet-friendly pest control methods

Pests can be a major problem in any garden, but using toxic pesticides and insecticides can be dangerous for your dogs. To protect both your plants and your pets, look for pet-friendly pest control methods.

One option is to use natural methods, such as companion planting and companion animals, to control pests. For example, planting marigolds near your vegetables can help deter pests, while using chickens to control insects can be a safe and effective alternative to chemical insecticides.

In conclusion, with a little bit of planning and effort, you can have a beautiful flower and vegetable garden that is safe and enjoyable for both you and your dogs. By choosing the right location, creating a physical barrier, using natural deterrents, planting dog-friendly flowers and vegetables, training your dog, monitoring their behavior, and using pet-friendly pest control methods, you can create a harmonious outdoor space that everyone can enjoy.