Obviously, we’re big fans of hay over here. After all, hay should be around 80% of your small animal’s diet. But even we can admit variety is the spice of life. The best herbs to plant in summer are a fun way to add something new, plus a nutrition boost, to your rabbit’s and guinea pig’s standard fare. Our own herbal blends are pretty great – we only use organic and wild-crafted herbs and flowers. But this time of year is perfect for growing herbs right in your own backyard, too! Here are a few of our favorites.
Cilantro
I have yet to have a rabbit tell me cilantro tastes like soap. It is always a popular favorite; you can harvest cilantro early and bring it indoors to grow all year long. Simply make successive sowings every 2 or 3 weeks starting in early June.
Parsley
Parsley is a slow starter but can grow up to a foot high. Talk about a guinea pig's dream. I think the only thing better than foraging in the hay would be to burrow under parsley fields. Fun fact, parsley is a biennial, which means that it grows only for two seasons.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a pretty summer bloom that's easy to grow. Echinacea also offers some immune system-boosting powers for the little ones indoors. It acts as a mild pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. While not a replacement for antibiotics, this superpower herb makes an excellent complement for those recovering from a URI or other infections. The stalks, stems, and leaves are safe for guinea pigs and rabbits to consume. Try sprinkling on some hay a few times a week.
Dill
Dill is a healthy, tempting treat for rabbits. Bunnies have more taste buds than we do, so they appreciate this pungent and robust herb. It grows like a weed, so dill is an excellent choice for beginners. Serve with cucumbers and let your rabbit brag to her friends that she tried a pickle.
Mint
An acquired taste in guinea pigs, let those with a more adventurous palate give mint a try. Herbs like mint spread quickly, so planting them in pots may be a better choice than the backyard garden bed. Mint can soon dominate a space if not contained. Not that your herd would complain.
Dandelion
If you lack a green thumb like me, don't give up hope. There's still a chance for you and me. Try dandelion greens. Come on, it's technically a weed. What can go wrong? Dandelion is good for digestion and high in vitamin C. Oh, and you can conveniently collect the plants and seeds from your own pesticide-free backyard.
The possibilities are endless when planting an herb garden for small animals. There are literally hundreds of options to try! But remember, not all herbs are safe. Herbs can consist of leaves, seeds, flowers, and roots, and some or all could be dangerous to consume. Keep a list of safe and toxic foods handy before harvesting any summer treat.
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