If you’re an outdoorsy dog parent, consider taking up gardening as a hobby. You can learn how to grow flowers, fruits, veggies, and more. Even better, you can do it with your pup by your side. 

Curious how to create a dog-friendly garden? The key is simply picking dog-safe plants. In this guide, we’ll review which plants are safe for pups to be around and how to keep their noses out of your garden. 

Why Dog-Friendly Plants Matter

Our dogs explore the world through their snouts. They have over 300 million smell receptors in their brain and can identify much more information than a human can by a simple sniff. 

This is where gardening gets complicated. Some plants are toxic to dogs when they eat or touch them. But as long as you choose dog-friendly garden plants, this shouldn’t be a concern. 

We recommend reading through the ASPCA’s full list of toxic and non-toxic plants. The guide includes information on how each plant affects your pet and which varieties to avoid. 

Designing a Pet-Friendly Garden

You can absolutely design a garden with your dog’s safety in mind. Some call this “petscaping”--but it’s beyond the way your garden looks. Here are a few tips to design a serene and dog-safe garden. 

Create Defined Zones

Map out areas specifically for play, rest, and exploration. An open patch of grass or soft ground is a great play space for your dog. Rest spots are best in shady nooks or cool stone sitting areas. Dogs can explore the smells of a garden bed with raised borders to protect the plants. 

Low fencing, chickenwire, or landscape edging can keep your pup from trampling flower beds. Hounds, retrievers, and other scent-motivated breeds might be more tempted to eat plants or even soil. Always keep an eye on your pup while they are in the garden space. 

Choose Dog-Friendly Mulch

Mulch is necessary in any garden to reduce moisture and weeds. Not all mulch is dog-safe. For example, cocoa mulch contains compounds that are toxic to dogs. But bark, cedar chips, and stone pathways are all gentle enough for your pup's paws. 

Dedicate Space to Your Pup

Dogs like to have their own space, whether it’s a kennel or a spot on the couch. Provide these creature comforts to your pup by giving them designated spaces to play. An entertained, stimulated dog will prevent your pup from digging up your harvest. 

Top Dog-Friendly Plants for Your Garden

There’s a variety of plants that are non-toxic and well-suited for yards with dogs. Remember, some fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better in certain climates. If something doesn’t grow on the first try, try again! 

Vibrant Flowers That Are Safe for Dogs

Who doesn’t love a windowbox of spring flowers? The colors brighten all landscapes, bring in pollinators, and some are perfectly safe for your pups to be around, including:

• Lavender
• Zinnias
• Sunflower
• Hollyhock
• Coneflowers
• Petunias

While these flowers aren’t toxic, they still should not be eaten by your pup. Call your vet or Pet Poison Control right away if you see your dog eating out of your garden. 

Herbs & Groundcovers

Herbs aren’t just for enhancing flavor. Many are safe for your pup and have health benefits for humans, too. For beginner gardeners, herbs are a great way to start because they are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Herbal dog-friendly plants include:

• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Catnip
• Lemongrass
• Spider plants
• Boston ferns

Easy-to-Grow Fruits & Veggies for Dogs

If you want your garden to feed yourself and your pup, consider planting fruit and vegetable seeds. Many garden foods are safe for dogs and can eventually be added to their bowl come harvest time. Edible dog-friendly garden plants include: 

• Carrots
• Zucchini
• Cucumbers
• Pumpkin
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Watermelon
• Apples

Fresh fruit and veggies are incredibly beneficial for your dog’s health. That’s why most of these superfoods are found in Sundays’ human-grade dog food recipes. 

Tips for Growing a Dog-Friendly Garden

The #1 recommendation for a pet-friendly garden is to keep an eye on your pup. Dogs are so much smarter than people think! They can get through fences and even wood if the drive is high enough. Here are a few additional tips to make your garden as safe as possible for your dog.

• Skip chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These can be harmful to your dog if ingested. 
• Harvest regularly to prevent fallen produce from rotting or attracting pests. 
• Use raised beds or containers to keep plants intact while encouraging your dog to explore new smells.