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9 Companion Plants with Black Eyed Susans

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August 18, 2025

9 Companion Plants with Black Eyed Susans

Companion planting not only brings naturalistic appeal to your garden, but also attracts pollinators and mitigate pests issues.

Black-Eyed Susan is known to beautify your backyard with their bright yellow petals with dark centers.

While blooming period of this perennial is limited to summer and early fall. You can grow strategic companion plants to maintain continuous flowering year-round.

Beyond extending the blooming, companion plants provide essential support for Black-Eyed Susan health and garden sustainability.

These carefully chosen plant partnerships naturally deter harmful pests, attract beneficial insects, and enhance soil nutrition through varied root systems and organic matter.

The result is a thriving ecosystem where Black-Eyed Susans flourish alongside their companions, creating a low-maintenance garden that supports biodiversity while reducing the need for chemical interventions.

Scientific evidence: Companion planting is one of the natural methods to mitigate pests effectively. (Source)

Best plants that you can grow along with Black-eyed Susan to extend blooming and create low-maintenance garden ecosystem are Common Yarrow, Blanket Flowers, Coneflowers, Russian Sage, Salvia, Michaelmas Daisy, Pansy Flowers, and Bee Balm.

9 Black-Eyed Susan Companion Plants to Beautify Your Garden

Successful companion planting requires choosing plants with matching needs—full sun exposure, well-draining soil, and similar watering requirements.

This ensures all plants thrive together without competing for resources or requiring different care routines.

Also Read: How to Propagate Black-Eyed Susan?

1. Russian Sage

Growing requirements of Russian sage are identical to black-eyed Susans, so they can benefit each other in a variety of ways.

The silvery foliage and lavender-blue flower spikes of Russian sage create stunning contrast with the bright yellow blooms of black-eyed Susans, and both plants attract pollinators while repelling pests with their strong fragrance.

It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils with good drought tolerance once established. Russian sage prefers dry to medium moisture conditions and performs best in alkaline soil, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens.
It features tall, upright stems reaching 2-4 feet with silvery-gray, aromatic foliage and spikes of lavender-blue flowers that bloom from midsummer to late fall.
Furthermore, Russian sage’s strong fragrance naturally repels pests, its drought tolerance reduces water competition, and its woody base provides structural support while creating an airy backdrop that complements shorter companion plants.

2. Coneflowers

With their shared love for full sun and well-draining soil, coneflowers naturally pair with black-eyed Susans in the garden.

These native perennials complement each other visually—the prominent cone-shaped centers of coneflowers echo the dark centers of black-eyed Susans while offering purples, pinks, and whites against cheerful yellow blooms.

Both attract pollinators throughout summer and fall, supporting each other’s healthy growth and extended blooming success.

Growth Requirements: They thrive in full sun with well-drained soil and are extremely drought tolerant once established. Coneflowers prefer moderately rich soil with organic matter but can adapt to clay or sandy soils, making them perfect for low-maintenance gardens that require minimal watering.

Features: They feature upright stems reaching 2-5 feet tall with purple, pink, white, orange, yellow, and multi-colored daisy-like flowers blooming from early summer to fall. Coneflowers’ deep roots improve soil health while seed heads feed winter birds, creating low-maintenance pollinator-friendly environments complementing black-eyed Susans.

3. Blanket Flowers

Blanket flowers bring vibrant energy to any garden setting, especially when planted alongside black-eyed Susans.

Their bold orange, red, and yellow daisy-like blooms create a stunning prairie-inspired display that captivates from a distance and rewards close inspection with intricate petal patterns.

These drought-tolerant perennials complement each other beautifully—the warm, fiery tones of blanket flowers intensify the golden yellow of black-eyed Susans while their similar flower shapes create visual harmony throughout the garden bed.

Both attract pollinators throughout summer and fall, supporting each other’s healthy growth and extended blooming success.

Growth Requirements: They thrive in full sun with well-drained soil and are extremely drought tolerant once established. Blanket flowers prefer sandy, poor to moderately fertile soil and actually perform better in less rich conditions, making them perfect for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens that require minimal watering.

Features: They feature compact, mounding growth reaching 12-24 inches tall with bright orange, red, yellow, and bi-colored daisy-like flowers blooming from late spring through first frost. Blanket flowers’ excellent heat tolerance and self-seeding nature create low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly environments complementing black-eyed Susans.

Check this: 14 Best Companion Plants to Grow with Tulips for Summer Blooms

4. Lavender

Known for its intoxicating fragrance and silvery-gray foliage, lavender transforms any garden space into a sensory paradise while serving as an exceptional companion to black-eyed Susans.

This Mediterranean native offers a striking textural contrast with its narrow, linear leaves against the broader foliage of its sunny companions.

These aromatic perennials complement each other perfectly—lavender’s purple flower spikes create elegant vertical lines that balance the rounded, daisy-like blooms of black-eyed Susans while their contrasting forms add architectural interest to garden borders.

Both attract pollinators throughout summer and fall, supporting each other’s healthy growth and extended blooming success.

Growth Requirements: They thrive in full sun with well-drained, slightly alkaline soil and are extremely drought tolerant once established. Lavender prefers lean, sandy soil with excellent drainage and actually performs poorly in rich, moist conditions, making them perfect for Mediterranean-style gardens that require minimal watering.

Features: They feature woody stems reaching 12-36 inches tall with fragrant purple, pink, or white flower spikes blooming from early summer through late fall. Lavender’s natural pest-repelling properties and deer resistance create aromatherapy-rich, pollinator-friendly environments complementing black-eyed Susans.

Also Read: 19 Best Lavender Companion Plants to Grow in Garden

5. Common Yarrow

With its delicate, feathery foliage that resembles nature’s own lacework, common yarrow brings an ethereal quality to garden compositions featuring black-eyed Susans.

This ancient medicinal herb has graced gardens for centuries, earning its place through both beauty and beneficial properties.

These hardy perennials complement each other strategically—yarrow’s flat-topped flower clusters in white, pink, yellow, and red create horizontal layers that ground the upright stems of black-eyed Susans while their fine-textured leaves provide cooling shade for shallow root systems.

Both attract pollinators throughout summer and fall, supporting each other’s healthy growth and extended blooming success.

Growth Requirements: They thrive in full sun with well-drained soil and are extremely drought tolerant once established. Common yarrow prefers poor to moderately fertile soil and actually spreads aggressively in rich conditions, making them perfect for naturalized areas and low-maintenance gardens that require minimal watering.

Features: They feature spreading growth reaching 12-36 inches tall with fern-like, aromatic leaves and flat-topped flower clusters blooming from early summer through first frost. Yarrow’s deep taproot breaks compacted soil while self-seeding ensures continuous pollinator-friendly coverage complementing black-eyed Susans.

6. Salvia

Salvia commands attention with its bold, architectural flower spikes that rise like colorful candles throughout the garden landscape, making it a dramatic companion choice for black-eyed Susans.

These members of the mint family offer an impressive range of colors and forms that can suit any garden style.

These versatile perennials complement each other dynamically—salvia’s upright flower spikes in purple, blue, red, pink, and white create vertical drama that contrasts beautifully with the horizontal spread of black-eyed Susan blooms while their different bloom timing extends garden interest.

Both attract pollinators throughout summer and fall, supporting each other’s healthy growth and extended blooming success.

Growth Requirements: They thrive in full sun with well-drained soil and are moderately drought tolerant once established. Salvia prefers fertile, well-draining soil with consistent moisture during growing season but tolerates dry periods, making them perfect for mixed borders and cottage gardens that receive regular watering.

Features: They feature clumping growth reaching 18-36 inches tall with aromatic, mint-scented leaves and dense flower spikes blooming from midsummer through first frost. Agastache’s exceptional heat tolerance and hummingbird-magnetism create dynamic pollinator-friendly environments complementing black-eyed Susans.

Also Read: 5 Best Companion Plants for Clematis

7. Agastache

Agastache brings a wild, untamed beauty to cultivated gardens with its relaxed, naturalistic growth habit that perfectly complements the cottage garden charm of black-eyed Susans.

Also known as hummingbird mint, this North American native offers both ornamental appeal and practical benefits to garden ecosystems.

These aromatic perennials complement each other harmoniously—agastache’s fuzzy flower spikes in purple, pink, orange, and blue create soft, informal textures that balance the crisp, defined petals of black-eyed Susans while their minty fragrance adds sensory dimension to garden experiences.

Both attract pollinators throughout summer and fall, supporting each other’s healthy growth and extended blooming success.

Growth Requirements: They thrive in full sun with well-drained soil and are extremely drought tolerant once established. Agastache prefers lean, sandy soil with excellent drainage and performs poorly in heavy clay or waterlogged conditions, making them perfect for xeriscaping and prairie-style gardens that require minimal watering.

Features: They feature clumping growth reaching 18-36 inches tall with aromatic, mint-scented leaves and dense flower spikes blooming from midsummer through first frost. Agastache’s exceptional heat tolerance and hummingbird-magnetism create dynamic pollinator-friendly environments complementing black-eyed Susans.

8. Pansy Flowers

Pansy flowers bring whimsical charm to garden settings with their distinctive “faces” that seem to watch over neighboring plants like friendly garden guardians alongside black-eyed Susans.

These cool-weather champions offer unique seasonal interest that extends garden appeal beyond traditional summer bloomers.

These cheerful annuals complement each other seasonally—pansy’s velvety flowers in purple, yellow, white, blue, and multicolored combinations provide spring and fall color that bridges the gaps between black-eyed Susan’s summer peak, while their low, mounding habit creates attractive ground coverage beneath taller companions.

Both attract pollinators throughout their respective seasons, supporting each other’s healthy growth and extended blooming success.

Growth Requirements: They thrive in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil and prefer cool weather conditions. Pansies perform best in rich, organic soil with consistent moisture and benefit from mulching, making them perfect for spring and fall displays in temperate gardens that receive regular watering.

Features: They feature compact growth reaching 6-12 inches tall with heart-shaped leaves and face-like flowers blooming from early spring through summer and fall. Pansy’s cool-weather tolerance extends seasons while edible flowers and nitrogen-fixing properties complement black-eyed Susans.

Also Read: 15 Pothos Companion Plants – Plants to Grow Together

9. Bee Balm

Bee balm creates spectacular wildlife gardens with its crown-like flower heads that serve as landing platforms for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it an ideal companion for attracting beneficial visitors alongside black-eyed Susans.

This native wildflower brings both ecological value and old-fashioned garden charm to modern landscapes.

These fragrant perennials complement each other ecologically—bee balm’s tubular, crown-shaped flowers in red, pink, purple, and white create architectural interest that contrasts with the simple daisy form of black-eyed Susans while their minty-scented foliage adds aromatic layers to garden compositions.

Both attract pollinators throughout summer and fall, supporting each other’s healthy growth and extended blooming success.

Growth Requirements: They thrive in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil and prefer consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Bee balm tolerates clay soil better than most companions and benefits from good air circulation, making them perfect for naturalized areas and rain gardens that retain some moisture.

Features: They feature upright, square stems reaching 24-48 inches tall with aromatic leaves and crown-shaped flower clusters blooming midsummer through early fall. Bee balm’s antifungal properties benefit neighboring plants while creating exceptional pollinator value complementing black-eyed Susans.

How to Plant Companion Plants With Black-Eyed Susan?

Planning and Preparation

Before planting, choose companion plants that share similar growing requirements—full sun, well-draining soil, and drought tolerance.

Plan your garden layout by placing taller companions like coneflowers and bee balm behind black-eyed Susans, medium-height plants like lavender and salvia alongside them, and shorter companions like pansies in front.

Prepare the soil by adding compost to improve drainage and fertility, ensuring all plants will thrive in the same conditions.

Planting Technique

Plant black-eyed Susans and their companions in spring after the last frost date, spacing them 12-18 inches apart to allow for mature growth. Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep, ensuring the crown sits at soil level.

Water thoroughly after planting and apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around plants, keeping it away from stems to prevent rot and retain moisture during establishment.

Establishment and Care

Water newly planted companions regularly for the first few weeks until roots establish, then reduce watering as most companions are drought-tolerant once mature.

Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season, and divide overcrowded clumps every 3-4 years in early spring.

This simple maintenance routine ensures your companion planting creates a thriving, low-maintenance garden that provides continuous color and attracts beneficial pollinators.

Conclusion

Companion planting with Black-Eyed Susans creates vibrant, self-sustaining garden ecosystems. Carefully selected companions like lavender, coneflowers, and bee balm extend blooming periods, attract pollinators, and reduce maintenance while providing continuous seasonal color through thoughtful plant partnerships.

Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting

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How to Grow Graptosedum ‘California Sunset’ Succulents

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August 17, 2025

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How to Grow Graptosedum ‘California Sunset’ Succulents

Pests and Disease

‘California Sunset’ succulents aren’t known for being plagued by pests or disease, but since issues do sometimes arise, it’s best to know what to watch for:

Pests

Be sure to check new specimens after purchase and inspect them after they have been outdoors for the summer.

Some of the most common pests you’ll encounter are aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects.

Aphids

Look for aphids on the undersides of leaves or on stems, where they feed on plant tissue, causing distorted leaves.

Aphids also leave behind trails of honeydew, which can be a telltale sign of a pest infestation, as well as potentially leading to fungal issues.

Learn how to control aphids here.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are common houseplant pests, and can be easily identified on these succulents since they look like white fluff.

These pests suck nutrients from leaves and stems, and can kill the plant if left untreated. Root mealies can also feed on roots in the soil, hidden from plain view.

Read our article about how to deal with mealybugs.

Scale

Scale insects can be as difficult to treat as they are to see, they resemble small bumps on plant stems or leaves.

These pests feed on plant sap and can cause yellowing and wilting. You can remove any you see with a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Learn how to identify and control scale insects here.

Disease

If you see mushy foliage dropping from this plant, check for root rot, a condition caused by overwatering and poor drainage.

Since it can be difficult to salvage rotting succulents, ensure that the plants are grown in optimal conditions.

Read our guide to preventing and managing rotting in succulents here.

Enjoy a California Sunset Every Day

Growing ‘California Sunset’ in your rock garden or as a windowsill plant will provide you with warm, sunset colors that you can depend on, day after day.

A close up horizontal image of a small, red 'California Sunset' graptosedum growing in a pot.

Just remember to give these succulents plenty of direct sunshine, excellent drainage, and infrequent watering to keep them looking perky and healthy.

Are you growing ‘California Sunset’ or other types of graptosedum? Drop your photos, thoughts, and questions in the comments section below!

Whether you’re growing succulents in your home or garden, you’ll find more informative guides here:

Health care groups pitch in on growing ‘scandal’ of elder homelessness : Shots

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August 16, 2025

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Health care groups pitch in on growing ‘scandal’ of elder homelessness : Shots

Roberta Rabinovitz, right, had cancer and had been living with her grandson, sleeping on his couch. With her is Rachel Nassif, day center director at the PACE Organization of Rhode Island in East Providence.

Felice J. Freyer for KFF Health News

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Felice J. Freyer for KFF Health News

BRISTOL, R.I. — At age 82, Roberta Rabinovitz realized she had no place to go. A widow, she had lost both her daughters to cancer, after living with one and then the other, nursing them until their deaths. Then she moved in with her brother in Florida, until he also died.

And so last fall, while recovering from lung cancer, Rabinovitz ended up at her grandson’s home in Burrillville, Rhode Island, where she slept on the couch and struggled to navigate the steep staircase to the shower. That wasn’t sustainable, and with apartment rents out of reach, Rabinovitz joined the growing population of older Americans unsure of where to lay their heads at night.

But Rabinovitz was fortunate. She found a place to live, through what might seem like an unlikely source — a health care nonprofit, the PACE Organization of Rhode Island. Around the country, arranging for housing is a relatively new and growing challenge for such PACE groups, which are funded through Medicaid and Medicare. PACE stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, and the organizations aim to keep frail older people in their homes. But a patient can’t stay at home if they don’t have one.

More people 55 and over without homes

As housing costs rise, organizations responsible for people’s medical care are realizing that to ensure their clients have a place to live, they must venture outside their lanes. Even hospitals — in Denver, New Orleans, New York City, and elsewhere — have started investing in housing, recognizing that good health isn’t possible without it.

And among older adults, the need is especially growing. In the U.S., 1 in 5 people who were homeless in 2024 were 55 or older, with the total older homeless population up 6% from the previous year. Dennis Culhane, a University of Pennsylvania professor who specializes in homelessness and housing policy, calculated that the number of men older than 60 living in shelters roughly tripled from 2000 to 2020.

“It’s a national scandal, really, that the richest country in the world would have destitute elderly and disabled people,” Culhane said.

Over decades of research, Culhane has documented the plight of people born between 1955 and 1965 who came of age during recessions and never got an economic foothold. Many in this group endured intermittent homelessness throughout their lives, and now their troubles are compounded by aging.

But other homeless older adults are new to the experience. Many teeter on the edge of poverty, said Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging, a national association representing what are known as area agencies on aging. A single incident can tip them into homelessness — the death of a spouse, job loss, a rent increase, an injury or illness. If cognitive decline starts, an older person may forget to pay their mortgage. Even those with paid-off houses often can’t afford rising property taxes and upkeep.

“No one imagines anybody living on the street at 75 or 80,” Markwood said. “But they are.”

Kriss Auger stands next to a green van that has a sign on it that says "PACE Rhode Island."

Kriss Auger, social work and behavioral health manager at the PACE Organization of Rhode Island, outside the organization’s van. PACE, funded by Medicare and Medicaid, gives many different kinds of services to older Americans, including transportation.

Felice J. Freyer for KFF Health

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Felice J. Freyer for KFF Health

President Donald Trump’s recent budget law, which makes substantial federal cuts to Medicaid, the public insurance program for those with low incomes or disabilities, will make matters worse for older people with limited incomes, said Yolanda Stevens, program and policy analyst with the National Alliance to End Homelessness. If people lose their health coverage or their local hospital closes, it will be harder for them to maintain their health and pay the rent.

“It’s a perfect storm,” Stevens said. “It’s an unfortunate, devastating storm for our older Americans.”

Adding to the challenges, the Labor Department recently halted a job training program intended to keep low-income older people in the workforce.

New partners for PACE

Those circumstances have sent PACE health plans throughout the country into uncharted waters, prompting them to set up shop within senior housing projects, partner with housing providers, or even join forces with nonprofit developers to build their own.

A 1997 federal law recognized PACE organizations as a provider type for Medicare and Medicaid. Today, some 185 operate in the U.S., each serving a defined geographic area, with a total of more than 83,000 participants.

They enroll people 55 and older who are sick enough for nursing home care, and then provide everything their patients need to stay home despite their frailty. They also run centers that function as medical clinics and adult day centers and provide transportation.

These organizations primarily serve impoverished people with complex medical conditions who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. They pool money from both programs and operate within a set budget for each participant.

PACE officials worry that, as federal funding for Medicaid programs shrinks, states will curtail support. But the PACE concept has always had bipartisan support, said Robert Greenwood, a senior vice president at the National PACE Association, because its services are significantly less expensive than nursing home care.

The financing structure gives PACE the flexibility to do what it takes to keep participants living on their own, even if it means buying an air conditioner or taking a patient’s dog to the vet. Taking on the housing crisis is another step toward the same goal.

In the Detroit area, PACE Southeast Michigan, which serves 2,200 participants, partners with the owners of housing designated for senior citizens The landlords agree to keep the rent affordable, and PACE provides services to their tenants who are members. Housing providers “like to be full, they like their seniors cared for, and we do all of that,” said Mary Naber, president and CEO of PACE Southeast Michigan.

For participants who become too infirm to live on their own, the Michigan organization has leased a wing in an independent living center, where it provides round-the-clock supportive care. The organization also is partnering with a nonprofit developer to create a cluster of 21 shipping containers converted into little houses in Eastpointe, just outside Detroit. Still in the planning stages, Naber said, the refurbished containers will probably rent for about $1,000 to $1,100 a month.

In San Diego, the PACE program at St. Paul’s Senior Services cares for chronically homeless people as they move into housing, offering not just health services but the backup needed to keep tenants in their homes, such as guidance on paying bills on time and keeping their apartments clean.

St. Paul’s PACE program also helps those already in housing but clinging to precarious living arrangements, said Carol Castillon, vice president of its PACE operations. The program connects them with community resources, helping fill out forms for housing assistance, and providing meals and household items to lower expenses, she said.

At PACE Rhode Island, which serves nearly 500 people, about 10 to 15 participants each month become homeless or at risk of homelessness, which was a rare situation five or six years ago, CEO Joan Kwiatkowski said.

The organization contracts with assisted living facilities, but its participants are sometimes rejected because of prior criminal records, substance use, or health care needs that the facility operators feel they can’t handle. And public housing providers often have no openings.

So PACE Rhode Island is planning to buy its own housing, Kwiatkowski said. PACE also has reserved four apartments at an assisted living facility in Bristol for its participants, paying rent when they’re unoccupied. Rabinovitz moved into one recently.

Housing and medical care

Rabinovitz had worked as a senior credit analyst for a health care company, but now her only income is her Social Security check. She keeps $120 from that check for personal supplies, and the rest goes to rent, which includes meals.

Roberta Rabinovitz stands in a sunny bedroom.

“It’s tiny but I love it,” Roberta Rabinovitz, says of her apartment at the Franklin Court assisted living facility in Bristol, Rhode Island.

Felice J. Freyer for KFF Health News

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Felice J. Freyer for KFF Health News

Once a week or so, Rabinovitz rides a PACE van to the organization’s center, where she gets medical care, including dental work, physical therapy, and medication — always, she said, from “incredibly loving people.” When she’s not feeling well enough to make the trek, PACE sends someone to her. Recently, a technician with a portable X-ray machine scanned her sore hip as she lay in her own bed in her new studio apartment.

“It’s tiny, but I love it,” she said of the apartment, which she’s decorated in purple, her favorite color.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.

Spring Bulbs Q&A – Webinar with Joseph Tychonievich

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August 16, 2025

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Dreaming of a dazzling spring garden? Now’s the time to make it happen. Join Fine Gardening’s Editor in Chief, Carol Collins, for a live conversation with bulb expert and author Joseph Tychonievich—and get all your spring-bulb questions answered.

From daffodils that shrug off deer to tulips worth replanting year after year, Joseph has tested, trialed, and written about the most reliable (and breathtaking) spring bloomers. You’ll hear his best tips for:

Sourcing and choosing bulbs that will thrive in your climate and garden conditions
Designing plantings for maximum impact and minimal maintenance
Hiding fading foliage without sacrificing style
Dealing with common bulb pests and problems
Experimenting with containers, lawns, and unexpected planting spots

This will be an interactive question-and-answer session, so bring your bulb dilemmas and curiosities—whether you want to know which crocus is worth planting by the hundreds, how to keep squirrels away from tulips, or which bulbs perform best in shade. Submit your questions in advance, and Joseph will tackle them live.

When you leave this webinar, you’ll have practical know-how of bulb care and tons of inspiration for creating a spring display that stops traffic.

All About Spring Bulbs in the Garden

Join to take part in this interview with Joseph Tyconiviech – horticulturist, author, and bulb expert – LIVE. Ask your questions about spring bulb care, pest management, planting, and design in this special event!

Seminar: Approx. 1 hour

September 12, 2025, 9am EST

FREE

About Joseph

Joseph Tychonievich is a lifelong lover of plants and gardening. He got his degree in horticulture from Ohio State University and went on to work for specialty rare plant nurseries in Japan and Michigan. Joseph is the author of several books including The Comic Book Guide to Growing Food: Step-by-Step Vegetable Gardening for Everyone. His writing has been published in Fine Gardening, Horticulture, and The New York Times. He is the editor of the North American Rock Garden Society’s quarterly journal. He currently lives and gardens in South Bend, Indiana, with his husband, three cats, and a truly excessive number of plants.

Learn more:

Extraordinary Spring Bulbs to Plant in Fall

Plant a Succession of Spring-Flowering Bulbs

Joseph’s Favorite Daffodils

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Berry & Bird Rabbiting Spade, Trenching Shovel

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Ideal Tool for All Gardeners Use: Our heavy duty trenching shovel is designed by a professional gardening tool designer. Lifetime Durability: This heavy duty drain spade is made of high-quality stainless steel, it is very strong and durable, even if it is used for high-strength work, it will not bend. Ergonomic Wood Handle: The handle of this planting spade is made of ash hardwood harvested from FSC-certified forests and has an ergonomically streamlined design, making it very suitable for everyone’s hands. Multi-Use: This digging shovel is generally used for digging trenches, digging holes, transplanting, edging, moving compost, cutting thick turf and furrowing. The sharp blade allows you to cut, scoop, dig, lift and dice in hard soil.

Corona CT 3344 Premium Stainless Steel ComfortGEL Hoe/Cultivator, Red

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Dual working heads—2 tools in 1. Sharp hoe to break up clumpy soil. Cultivator for weeding. Package Weight: 0.34 kilograms.

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

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6 Best Ground Cover for Chicken Run

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August 16, 2025

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While raising chickens, there are lots of factors that needs to considered and ground cover is one of them.

A muddy chicken run can raise serious health issues among flocks and it will compromise overall hygiene of the chicken coop.

So, what can be considered as the best ground covering for chicken run?

An ideal ground cover for chicken run must provide excellent drainage, easy maintenance, support natural behaviours like dust bathing, and withstand heavy traffic and weather conditions.

Coarse sand, pine straw, grass or wood chips can be your preferred material to be used as ground covering for chicken run.

These different materials make chicken runs better by letting them scratch and hunt for food naturally, keeping the area from getting muddy and providing your chickens places to dust bathe to keep their feathers clean.

Later in this article, you’ll discover the most cost-effective ground cover options tailored to your specific climate and weather conditions.

Before that let’s understand the importance of ground covering in detail.

Benefits of Ground Cover for a Chicken Run

Good ground cover helps keep the run dry by improving drainage and preventing mud buildup. This reduces the risk of foot infections and keeps your flock’s feathers clean and healthy.

It supports natural chicken behaviors like scratching, foraging, and dust bathing, which keep birds active and happy. These activities also help maintain feather health and reduce stress.

Durable ground cover materials protect the soil from erosion, control unpleasant odors, and make cleaning easier. This ensures a healthier, more hygienic environment for both chickens and their keepers.

6 Best Ground Covers for Your Chicken Run

Selecting proper ground cover for your chicken run is essential for flock health, comfort, and easier maintenance. The right material prevents bacterial infections, supports natural behaviors like dust bathing, and simplifies daily care routines.

Different covers suit various climates, drainage needs, and budgets—some prioritize cleanliness while others encourage natural scratching.

Also Read: How to Get Chickens to Go into the Coop at Night?

1. Sand

Coarse construction sand offers excellent drainage, keeping runs dry and reducing mud and bacteria buildup. It’s easy to rake and spot-clean while providing chickens with a natural dust bath for parasite control.

Sand provides solid footing that reduces slips and prevents foot issues like bumblefoot when properly maintained. Waste dries quickly on the surface, making odor management much simpler than with organic ground covers.

It doesn’t decompose, so it stays level and functional for extended periods with only occasional top-ups needed. Sand works best in wet climates or heavy-traffic runs where mud formation is a persistent problem.

Always choose coarse, washed river sand or builder’s sand rather than fine play sand to prevent compaction and dust issues. Pair with proper drainage underneath for maximum performance and chicken comfort.

2. Grass

Fresh grass runs look attractive and allow chickens to graze naturally, adding essential vitamins to their diet. Birds enjoy scratching for insects and bugs, which keeps them mentally stimulated and physically active.

Grass cover works best in large, low-density runs or as part of rotational grazing systems. In smaller confined spaces, chickens can quickly destroy grass coverage, leaving bare soil that turns muddy.

To maintain healthy grass, overseed regularly and rest sections using movable fencing or chicken tractors. Hardy grass blends with rye, fescue, and clover handle pecking and heavy foot traffic better than standard lawn varieties.

Good drainage is absolutely essential, or wet patches will quickly turn to muddy mess, especially around feeders and waterers. Consider installing raised pathways or pavers in high-traffic zones to protect grass roots from damage.

Mow grass high to keep root systems strong and remove wet clumps promptly to prevent soil compaction. Expect seasonal fluctuations with lush growth in spring and stress during winter months or drought conditions.

Must Read: How to Clean and Disinfect the Chicken Coop?

3. Wood Chips

Arborist wood chips create a springy, natural surface that provides excellent drainage while supporting natural chicken behaviors. They help control odors by trapping moisture and provide an ideal environment for scratching and foraging.

Chips slowly decompose into rich compost over time, naturally improving the soil quality underneath the run. Refresh the top layer periodically and perform seasonal deep-cleaning to maintain optimal hygiene standards.

Always avoid fresh black walnut chips and any pressure-treated wood materials, as both can be harmful to chickens. Coarse, irregular chips perform much better than fine bark mulch or shavings in wet weather conditions.

Wood chips work exceptionally well under trees or in shaded runs where grass struggles to grow properly. They integrate perfectly with deep-litter management approaches to reduce maintenance while boosting overall soil health.

4. Gravel

Pea gravel or small rounded stones dramatically improve drainage and eliminate mud problems in trouble spots. It’s extremely durable and long-lasting, making it ideal for gateways, areas under waterers, and main traffic pathways.

Use a properly compacted base layer underneath to prevent sinking and mixing with underlying soil. Consider installing geotextile fabric as an underlay to separate gravel from dirt for maximum longevity and performance.

Gravel isn’t suitable for dust bathing activities and can be uncomfortable on chicken feet if edges are too sharp. Pair gravel areas with sand or chip zones to meet both comfort needs and natural behavioral requirements.

It’s easy to hose down and disinfect during disease-control situations, making it valuable for biosecurity measures. Gravel works best as a targeted solution for problem areas rather than full-run coverage in most chicken setups.

In colder climates, gravel can feel harsh underfoot, so provide softer resting areas for chicken comfort. Monitor regularly for trapped feed that could attract rodents and other unwanted pests.

5. Pine Straw

Pine needles naturally form a light, airy mat that effectively sheds water and reduces surface mud formation. Chickens love scratching through pine straw, which helps keep the run area active and naturally clean.

It’s inexpensive or often free in many regions and easy to refresh as the material breaks down over time. Pine straw gradually adds valuable organic matter to soil and improves overall soil structure and health.

Avoid creating thick, matted layers that can hold excess moisture—fluff or turn the straw routinely for best results. In very wet climates, combine pine straw with wood chips or sand for improved durability and drainage.

Pine straw is gentle on chicken feet and provides a comfortable surface for resting and relaxation. It’s also less likely to blow away in windy conditions compared to dry leaves when properly layered.

Also Read: How to Stop Chickens from Pooping in Nesting Boxes?

6. Dry Leaves

Dry leaves provide a budget-friendly, seasonal ground cover that chickens thoroughly enjoy shredding and scratching through. They create excellent foraging opportunities and work well in deep-litter management systems.

Leaves tend to compact when wet, so mix them with wood chips or straw to prevent matting and odor problems. Shredded leaves perform significantly better than whole leaves for maintaining proper airflow and even decomposition.

Reapply leaves frequently during rainy seasons since they decompose quickly in wet conditions. Always source chemical-free leaves from areas not treated with herbicides or pesticides to protect your flock’s health.

Conclusion

Choose ground cover materials based on your specific drainage needs, local climate conditions, and flock density requirements. The most practical approach often involves combining different materials to create a balanced system that addresses multiple needs.

A successful setup typically pairs sand or gravel in high-traffic zones with softer materials like wood chips, pine straw, or leaves in other areas. This combination provides optimal hygiene, comfort, and opportunities for natural chicken behaviors throughout the year.

Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting

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August 15, 2025

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Green Goddess Chickpea Salad | Dietitian Debbie Dishes

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