Pet-Safe Garden

Added on:  April 16, 2025 @ 2:37 pm

Introduction

For many of us, pets are family; just like the rest of the household, they deserve a safe and welcoming outdoor space. Whether your dog loves lounging on the lawn or your cat treats the garden as a personal jungle, it’s important to create an environment that’s both beautiful and non-toxic. Some plants, products, and common gardening practices can pose hidden dangers to pets. With a little planning, you can grow a lush, productive, and pet-safe garden for all.

This guide covers pet-safe practices, helpful repellents, and recommended low-toxicity products so you can feel confident about what’s growing in your yard.

Common Plants that Can Harm Pets

Many garden favorites are unfortunately toxic to cats and dogs. Ingesting just a small amount can lead to illness or worse. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, these are some of the most common culprits to avoid:

• Lilies – Extremely toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure.

• Sago Palm – Can cause severe liver damage in both dogs and cats.

• Azaleas & Rhododendrons – Ingesting even a few leaves may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or heart issues.

• Foxglove & Oleander – These plants can interfere with heart rhythm and should be avoided entirely.

• Plants with thorns – While not toxic, they can cause painful injuries or infections.

Before planting, we recommend checking the full list of toxic and non-toxic plants maintained by the ASPCA at aspca.org.

Safe Pest Control and Fertilizer Practices

Just because something is natural doesn’t always mean it’s pet-safe. Always read product labels, store items securely, and apply according to directions. Some important things to note:

• Avoid cocoa mulch, which contains compounds harmful to dogs.

• Store compost responsibly; grapes, moldy food, and onion peels are common kitchen compost items that can be dangerous.

• Keep fertilizers out of reach, especially bone meal, blood meal, and fish-based formulas, which can be attractive to pets.

• Never use traditional snail or slug bait, as ingestion can be fatal.

The 12 Best Pet-Safe Pesticides

If you’re looking for low-toxicity, ready-made solutions, the following products received the lowest possible toxicity rating from Toxic-Free Future (formerly Washington Toxics Coalition):

These are great choices when you’re looking for convenience without compromising your pet’s safety.

Try these DIY Pet-Safe Repellents

Prefer a homemade approach? These recipes offer simple, effective alternatives that won’t compromise your pet’s safety.

• DIY Mosquito Spray
  Combine 1/3 cup of witch hazel, 1/3 cup of water, and 40 drops of eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle. Add citronella or lemongrass for scent if desired. Shake well and use as needed around outdoor areas.
• DIY Tick-Repellant Spray
  Mix 2 cups of water, four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and two tablespoons of neem oil. Shake well and apply as needed. This recipe is safe for use directly on pets.
• DIY Ant Bait
  Mix equal parts powdered sugar and baking soda. Apply to areas where ants have been spotted. The sugar attracts the ants, and the baking soda interferes with their digestion—offering a simple, non-toxic bait.
• DIY Flea Spray
  In a spray bottle, combine 1 part Dawn dish soap, 1 part vinegar, and 2 parts warm water. Shake well before using. This mix helps deter fleas on surfaces like bedding and outdoor resting spots.

Design Tips for a Pet-Friendly Garden

In addition to safe products and plants, a few design strategies can help create a more functional and enjoyable garden for pets and people alike:

• Densely plant beds to discourage digging or trampling.

• Install raised beds or small fencing around vulnerable areas.

• Create defined paths to encourage pets to move through the garden rather than over it.

• Set up a digging zone filled with sand or soft soil for dogs who love to dig.

• Choose pet-safe herbs like basil, rosemary, lavender, and peppermint; they’re safe, fragrant, and help deter pests naturally.

• Add a kiddie pool or another area to cool down to help prevent dogs from swimming in ponds, pools, etc.

Conclusion

Gardening with pets doesn’t have to be a challenge. By choosing safe plants, using low-toxicity products, and designing with your animals in mind, you can grow a garden that’s both beautiful and safe. Whether you’re mixing up a DIY bug spray or selecting a pet-friendly pesticide, a little knowledge goes a long way. If you’re ever unsure about a product or plant, feel free to ask our team! We’re happy to help you make informed, pet-conscious choices.

If you have any questions that weren’t answered or need more information, feel free to stop by and see us at either the Broad St. or Mechanicsville location. You can also give us a call or drop us an email at info@stranges.com. We’re here to help you grow better! 

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Mechanicsville: 804-321-2200      West Broad: 804-360-2800