We love our gardens, and we love our pets! Here are some tips that will help to keep your garden productive and your pets happy.

Some plants are fine for your pet to nibble on. Others are not.

Grass nibbling is common behavior in cats, dogs, and other pets. Like humans, dogs and cats are unable to digest the cellulose in grasses. In small amounts however the fibers can prevent constipation and help with digestion. Plant annual “cat grasses” for your pet—oats, wheat, barley, rye, or a combination—because lawn grasses may be chemically treated. Moderation is key. Too much grass eating can cause indigestion.

Vegetables are a mixed bag. According to the American Kennel Club, melons and cucumbers are safe for dogs to eat, as are green beans, carrots, celery, peppers, and peas. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and spinach are safe in small amounts. The above vegetables are safe for cats as well, as long as they are cooked and chopped or pureed. Plants that are not safe for your pets to eat include onions (also chives and leeks), tomato leaves, and unripe tomatoes.

What about Herbs? According to the ASPCA list, most annual herbs are safe for your pet, including basil, lemon balm, curly parsley (in moderation), cilantro, and dill. Three to avoid are oregano, marjoram, and chives.

Most Annual Flowers won’t hurt your pet, though we’d rather have the blooms stay in the garden! Seed-grown ornamentals to avoid include castor bean plant, foxgloves, moonflowers (Datura spp.) and morning glories. These contain toxins that can harm your pet.

Compost Piles should be kept out of reach, as some items in the pile, onions and garlic, for example, can be toxic, and molds on fruit can cause stomach upset.

When it comes to gardening with pets, good planning can avoid frustration. Create wide paths that will allow your dog to patrol your garden while staying out of your beds; use short, sturdy fencing to define the beds.

How to Create a Sensory Garden for your Dog

✦ Start with a secure perimeter fence, and protective fencing around your vegetable beds.

✦ Create designated areas for playing, and a sand pit for digging.

✦ Plant dog-friendly flowers and scented plants: sunflowers, zinnias, basil, calendulas, chamomile, marigolds, celosias, and nasturtiums are a few.

✦ Avoid chemicals.

✦ Make sure there’s a water source in the garden, such as a kiddie pool, and a shady spot.

✦ If you have trees, add some wind chimes for sound stimulation.

Bordering your garden with plants that are less attractive to animals is another way to keep pets and wild critters from entering your garden beds. Flowers and herbs will attract beneficial insects as well!

Here are a few choices:

• Carrots

• Eggplants

• Fennel

• Basil

• Cilantro

• Dill

• Lemon Balm

• Rosemary

• Sage

• Thyme

• Ageratum

• Marigolds