If you’re a gardener or homesteader looking to grow your own animal feed—or even nutrient-rich greens for compost or soil improvement—fast-growing feed plants are the way to go. These plants not only reduce costs but also ensure a sustainable and fresh source of nutrients for your animals or soil. Whether you’re raising chickens, rabbits, goats, or simply improving soil fertility, incorporating fast-growing plants into your garden will yield excellent results.
Below are 8 of the best fast-growing feed plants for your garden, each with their benefits and growing tips.
1. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Alfalfa is a legendary feed crop, rich in protein, calcium, and other nutrients. Known as the “Queen of Forages,” it grows rapidly and can be cut multiple times during a growing season.
Why It’s Great:
Alfalfa is ideal for feeding rabbits, goats, cows, and even chickens in small amounts. It’s especially beneficial for lactating animals due to its high calcium and protein content. It also fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving your garden’s fertility.
Growing Tips:
Sow alfalfa seeds in early spring in a sunny spot. It prefers well-drained soil and a neutral pH. It can be harvested in 60 days and regrows after each cutting. Avoid overwatering.
2. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Comfrey is a powerhouse perennial that grows extremely fast and regenerates even faster after cutting. It’s rich in protein, potassium, and calcium.
Why It’s Great:
Perfect for chickens, pigs, and rabbits, comfrey is also valued as a compost activator and mulch. Its leaves can be harvested several times a year, making it a sustainable source of nutrients.
Growing Tips:
Plant comfrey in moist, rich soil with partial to full sun. Space the plants well, as they grow large. Once established, it needs little care and will come back stronger every year.
3. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers are not only beautiful but also functional. Their seeds are a favorite among poultry and their large leaves can serve as fodder for larger animals.
Why It’s Great:
Sunflower seeds are protein-rich and full of healthy fats—great for chickens, ducks, and goats. The stalks can be composted or fed to ruminants.
Growing Tips:
Sow seeds directly into the ground in a sunny location. They thrive in most soils and mature within 80–120 days. Provide support for tall varieties to prevent lodging.
4. Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata)
Cowpeas, also known as black-eyed peas, are quick to germinate and provide excellent forage. Their leaves and pods are both nutritious.
Why It’s Great:
They are a wonderful feed source for poultry, goats, and cattle, rich in protein and essential amino acids. As a legume, they also fix nitrogen in the soil.
Growing Tips:
Plant cowpeas in warm soil, post-frost. They require full sun and moderate water. Harvest the pods or chop the entire plant as green fodder every 50–60 days.
5. Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica)
Kale is a hardy and highly nutritious leafy green that grows fast in cool weather and is loved by both animals and humans.
Why It’s Great:
Kale is packed with vitamins A, C, and K. Chickens, ducks, rabbits, and goats adore it. You can also use it as a rotational crop to rejuvenate soil.
Growing Tips:
Sow seeds in early spring or late summer. Kale grows best in cooler temperatures. Harvest the outer leaves to promote continuous growth over several months.
6. Oats (Avena sativa)
Oats are not just for breakfast—they’re an excellent feed crop. Fast to grow, oats offer grain and fodder options in one plant.
Why It’s Great:
Oats provide fiber and energy for poultry, rabbits, and grazing animals. They also act as a green manure and soil conditioner when grown in between other crops.
Growing Tips:
Sow oats in early spring or fall. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun. You can harvest the green tops or allow the seeds to mature for grain.
7. Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)
Amaranth is a drought-tolerant leafy plant that grows vigorously and has high nutritional value in both leaves and seeds.
Why It’s Great:
Leaves are rich in protein, iron, and calcium. Chickens, ducks, and pigs love the tender greens, while the seeds are a great addition to poultry feed.
Growing Tips:
Plant in warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil. Amaranth grows quickly and can be cut multiple times. Keep it weeded early on as young plants are vulnerable.
8. Moringa (Moringa oleifera)
Often referred to as the “Miracle Tree,” moringa is one of the most nutrient-dense plants in the world. It grows fast in warm climates and is incredibly productive.
Why It’s Great:
Every part of moringa is usable. The leaves are especially prized for animal feed due to their high protein and vitamin content. It’s excellent for chickens, goats, and rabbits.
Growing Tips:
Plant moringa in full sun with well-draining soil. Water sparingly once established. You can harvest the leaves every few weeks once the plant reaches 4–5 feet.
Final Thoughts
Fast-growing feed plants can transform your garden into a productive space that supports not just your food crops, but your animals and overall ecosystem. By including species like alfalfa, comfrey, and kale, you’ll reduce your reliance on store-bought feed while improving soil health and biodiversity. With minimal effort and thoughtful planning, you can enjoy bountiful harvests that benefit both plants and animals in your homestead.
Whether you’re feeding chickens, enriching compost, or improving your soil’s nutrient profile, these plants are reliable, cost-effective, and highly sustainable. Happy planting and even happier harvesting!
Leave A Comment