Pet-Friendly Gardening: Safe Plants for Cats and Dogs

Pet-Friendly gardening

Do you love spending time in your garden with your pets? Make sure your garden is pet-safe by choosing plants that are non-toxic to dogs and cats. Here’s your ultimate guide to creating a pet-friendly garden that’s safe and beautiful!

For all the green thumbs out there, it’s the season to get outside, harvest your produce, and enjoy all the blooming flowers in your garden! And if your pets are anything like ours, they want to be right there by your side. Unfortunately, many common garden plants that are safe for people can be dangerously toxic for any dogs or cats who sneak a bite.

Prepare for gardening season with our toxic and non-toxic plant lists made to keep your yard perfectly pet-friendly!

Pet-Safe Garden Plants

1. Aster
Asters are cheerful, daisy-like flowers that come in a variety of colors, making them perfect for any garden. They are easy to care for, grow in partial to full sun, and are safe for both cats and dogs. Plus, they attract pollinators, helping support your local ecosystem.

2. Basil
Basil is a popular herb that is safe for pets. It’s versatile and easy to grow in garden plots or pots. Other pet-safe herbs include rosemary, thyme, cilantro, and lavender. Basil comes in various flavors like classic minty, Thai, and lemon basil.

3. Camellia
Known for their bold and beautiful flowers, camellias can be grown as shrubs or trees. They are hardy and perfect for small or large gardens. The blooms make lovely pet-safe indoor bouquets.

4. Carrots
Carrots are safe for dogs and cats. Dogs love snacking on the roots, and the feathery leaves can entertain your cat. When harvesting, feel free to share some with your pets for a healthy treat.

5. Catmint and Catnip
Both catmint and catnip are safe for cats and dogs. Catmint is popular for its lavender flowers, while catnip has higher concentrations of nepetalactone, which cats love. Both add attractive, low-growing greenery to your garden beds.

6. Lettuce
Lettuce is perfect for salad lovers and is safe for both dogs and cats. Spinach is another pet-friendly leafy green you can grow for a fresh, healthy spring mix.

7. Petunia
Petunias are vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that are non-toxic to pets. They come in many colors and are great for ground cover or hanging baskets. They thrive in a range of climates.

8. Radishes
Radishes, including their greens, are safe for pets. The peppery flavor might deter pets from eating them, but they are safe if they do. Radish greens make a tasty side dish when sautéed.

9. Sunflower
Sunflowers are bright and cheerful, safe for both cats and dogs. Dogs often enjoy sunflower seeds, but make sure to shell them first to prevent stomach issues.

10. Zucchini
Zucchini is an ideal plant for a pet-friendly garden. Every part of the vine is non-toxic, and cooked zucchini is a healthy, low-calorie treat for pets. Just keep their portion unseasoned.

Unsafe Garden Plants for Pets

Be cautious of these common garden plants, as they can be toxic to cats and dogs:

• Apple tree
• Azalea
• Cherry tree
• Chive
• Chrysanthemum
• Daffodil
• Garlic
• Geranium
• Grape
• Iris
• Lily
• Lily of the valley
• Milkweed
• Oak tree
• Onion
• Rhododendron
• Sweet pea
• Tulip
• Wisteria
• Yew tree

Research any plant before adding it to your garden to ensure it’s safe for your pets. With the right choices, you can create a beautiful, pet-friendly garden where your furry friends can safely enjoy the outdoors with you.

Pet-Safe Indoor Plants

If you’re more of a houseplant person, check out our top 10 pet-safe indoor plants list! You’ll discover a range of cat-friendly houseplants and dog-friendly houseplants, plus some surprising facts—like how spider plants can be hallucinogenic for cats.

With this information, you’re well on your way to creating a perfect garden that you and your pets can enjoy together safely!