It’s March, and that means that we’re welcoming spring— and with it, gardening season.
Whether you’re an avid gardener who is new to pet ownership, a pet owner who’s new to gardening or somewhere in between, let’s take a look at ways that you can build a garden that’s safe for your furry friends!
Dog-Friendly Garden
If you’re a dog parent, chances are good that the same space that you’re planning to have your garden is a space that’s frequented by your canine companion. So it’s important to create a space that is safe for your dog and also keeps your plants safe from your dog!
An important part of planning your garden with your pup in mind is to create clear paths through the garden that can guide your dog to designated spaces where he can play or dig—away from delicate plants. The areas of your garden closest to the areas frequented by pets ideally should be bordered with robust plants like lavender, geranium and shrub roses.
Avoid potentially dog-toxic plants such as chrysanthemums, hydrangeas, tomatoes and wisteria. If you can’t do without these potentially hazardous favorites, make sure you keep them securely out of your pup’s reach with some combination of raised beds, thick borders and fences.
Looking to make your garden extra dog-friendly? Try growing some plants that dogs can eat like green beans, blueberries, dandelions and parsley.
It should go without saying, but make sure you don’t use toxic chemicals in any space shared with your dog. Make sure your garden and your storage space for tools are both secured to keep your pup out of places he shouldn’t be!
Cat Garden
More of a cat person? Whether you want to make your garden a sanctuary for your outdoor cat or the local strays, let’s take a look at ways to make your garden more cat-friendly!
First, pick a portion of your garden to grow some plants that are more attractive to cats. This will give kitty space to frolic and help prevent other plants from getting dug up, gnawed on or trampled. Great plants for cats include catnip, catmint, wheatgrass, and lavender.
Avoid exposure to toxic substances by staying away from chemical pesticides or soil and avoiding plants that are toxic to cats, such as tomatoes, lilies, ivy and onions. Because cats can climb, keeping these in raised beds or behind fences won’t work well—it’s best to avoid planting toxic plants any place your cat could be!
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