Growing Food For Guinea Pigs: Easy to grow Vegetables, Herbs & More

Can we grow our own veggies for guinea pigs?

To our guinea pigs’ delight, we can easily cultivate our own vegetables and fruits in our backyard without any effort.

In a month, a guinea pig may consume approximately 7-8 pounds of veggies. Consequently, for a pair of guinea pigs, you will require approximately 15-16 pounds of veggies every month.

Even if we only have a tiny area to work with, we can reach that level of growth rather quickly.

Producing a diverse selection of vegetables with varying harvest periods, some with a shorter harvest time and others with a longer harvest period is the key to success in this situation.

Many guinea pig owners who live in urban areas say that a lack of available space is one of the most significant obstacles they face.

Although it may seem impossible, it is possible to grow more than enough food for your guinea pigs on a small balcony with some forethought and planning.

Growing in container Vs Growing in your yard

Several people feel that their ability to grow food is limited owing to a lack of available space in their homes. This is incorrect.

Even while your yard or 40 acres of land may not be large enough to support a huge vegetable garden, you don’t actually need that much area to grow veggies.

If you have a small deck outside your home, or even a small balcony, you will have plenty of space to grow enough vegetables to feed your pet guinea pigs on a consistent basis.

One of the most important factors that determines whether you can grow vegetables and fruits in a container or in a large yard is the type of vegetables and fruits that can be grown.

A huge apple or orange tree may not be viable to cultivate in a container garden on a balcony, but a smaller tree may be possible.

But you can still grow a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, including things such as lettuce and cilantro. You can also grow things like strawberries and black currants, among other things.

Growing in a small space is typically accompanied by a challenge, and the task is to extract the maximum amount of yield from that limited space.

It will be one of the professional recommendations that I can share with you is to make use of a companion planting. Gardening approach in which we grow a combination of numerous crops and herbs in a single pot is regularly practiced.

Keep in mind, however, that you should be mindful of the demands of the plant when you are planting them together.

How to Grow a Vegetable Garden on a Balcony | Growing in Small Spaces Ep3 S1 | How to Grow a Vegetable Garden

When employing this strategy, it is necessary to consider the requirements for sunlight, water, and soil conditions, among other things.

Some excellent companion planting alternatives include the following:

Beans, Carrots, Squash

• Eggplant, Beans
• Tomatoes, Basil, Cilantro
• Lettuce, cilantro or Parsley
• Spinach, chard, Beetroots

What supplies will we need to start growing food for our guinea pig?

Seed Starter Tray:

A seed starter tray is one of the most fundamental items needed to get a vegetable garden up and running.

This increases the germination rate by providing a healthy environment for the seeds to germinate in more efficiently.

It is also necessary to start the seeds indoors as soon as possible before transferring them to containers.

This ensures that we have a head start on every season (before the final harvest) and that we constantly produce more food.

Growing pot:

Garden containers are yet another crucial component you’ll need if you want to start growing vegetables for your guinea pigs right away.

There is now a diverse selection of pots accessible on the market. From ceramic pots to plastic containers and even cloth grow bags, everything is available.

It is my strong recommendation to use cloth pots because they are both environmentally friendly and simple to use.

Put them anywhere you want: on your balcony, on a pot stand, or even on a deck around your house to provide some color.

7-gallon pots and 15-gallon pots are two of the most frequent types of containers that you should use for your plants.

Organic Soil:

For your vegetable garden, it is absolutely essential that you use high-quality potting mix.

When they don’t see immediate results in their garden, most beginning gardeners become discouraged. Having a high-quality potting mix is one of the most important variables that determines the success of a garden.

In order to avoid disappointment later on, be certain that you start with high-quality potting mix.

If you want to grow vegetables, the soil you use must be devoid of dangerous chemicals and contain the appropriate nutrients for optimum growth.

Garden Tools:

You will also require a few basic gardening tools in order to start and maintain a thriving vegetable garden in your backyard.

These tools can be used for a variety of tasks, ranging from transplanting seedlings to digging, weeding, and aerating the ground.

Despite the fact that there are several complex tools available for the same function, this tool set would be an excellent choice for novices.

Garden Pruner:

Garden pruners are one of the most important equipment for a beginning gardener to have. The pruner is used for a variety of tasks, including harvesting vegetables, cutting down on stem plants, and pruning huge plants.

Pruning plants that become sluggish or grow slowly can also aid to stimulate the growth of such plants.

Make certain you use a high-quality pruner for ease of pruning and a professional-looking finish.

Gloves:

Gardening gloves are also an important part of the supplies we’ll need to get started on our food garden. A simple pair of gloves can help protect your hands from things like sunburn, allergies, and other irritations. It also helps to prevent the formation of unpleasant blisters on our hands.

Watering Can:

Someone who is starting a vegetable garden will also require watering cans, which are an important element of the supplies they will require.

Even when we are trying to grow food on our balconies, connecting a hose and watering the plants might be problematic at times.

The use of small watering cans can be extremely beneficial in these situations. It requires little room, is simple to use, and can be stored out of sight. It is a good investment.

Indoor/Outdoor Metal Plant Stand:

Using the vertical space is really crucial when it comes to balcony or container gardening and using a metal stand like this could be a game-changer when you have a limited space to house plants.

You can place three 7 gallons containers on each of the tiers that give you a total of 12 containers in a single stand.

Using such stands to grow green veggies and herbs is an excellent way to get the most out of your available space.

Organic Seeds:

Finally, but certainly not least, you will require some high-quality organic seeds in order to get your vegetable garden up and running.

Purchase organic seed from a reputable vendor at your local farmer’s market or from an online dealer with a good reputation.

It is critical to use high-quality seed in order to achieve a good yield.

When planting your seedlings, make sure to incorporate the companion planting concept to ensure that you get the most out of your garden.

How long will it take to grow?

Depending on the sort of plant you are growing, the environmental elements in your living space, and the amount of care you provide it, the growth rate of plants can vary significantly.

While some crops, such as cilantro, radish, spinach, and other greens, can be harvested within 30 days of sowing, others, such as carrots, lettuce, and bell pepper, can take up to 50 days before they can be harvested.

There are some sprouts that are simple to cultivate, such as Wheatcress and Watercress, that can be produced in as little as a week.

Ideally, a mixture of quick harvest and slow harvest crops should be grown to ensure a consistent supply.

Fruit plants need a longer time to mature and bear fruit than other plants.

Fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, and other berries can take up to 6 weeks before they are suitable for harvest, whilst other large trees can take years or even decades before they give fruit.

What are the benefits of growing own food for guinea pigs?

Growing your own food for your guinea pigs has a number of advantages over purchasing it. Some of the most significant advantages are as follows:

• One of the most significant advantages of starting your own guinea pig food garden is the money you will save on your monthly grocery costs. Guinea pigs require a continuous supply of veggies, which can add up to a significant amount of money over time.
• Producing their own food also assures that the product is of superior quality, and that it is completely free of harmful chemicals and pesticides. Your guinea pigs will be happy and healthy as a result of this.
• Finding time to purchase supplies from the market might be difficult at times, especially if your work schedule is quite demanding. Once you get started, maintaining your own food garden won’t take up much of your time away from your regular workday.
• You will also save a significant amount of storage space because you will have fresh vegetables available at your fingertips. You won’t need to stock your refrigerator with vegetables for your guinea pigs. And the best part is that it won’t run out every week like some other products.
• Some people find that gardening is a wonderful stress reliever. As a result, it may have a positive effect on your mental health as well.

Easy to grow vegetables and herbs for guinea pigs

There is a wide range of vegetables that we can serve to guinea pigs. However, growing all of them is not possible.

Here is a list of some easy to grow vegetables and herbs for our guinea pigs:

Wheatgrass

• Harvest time: 7-10 days
• Ease of care: Very Easy
• Container Size: Wide 12-18 inch container (2-3 pots)
• Serving size: A handful bunch 4-5 times a week

Cilantro

Additionally, cilantro is a simple to produce herb that is high in Vitamins A, C, K, Folate, and other nutrients, as well as being low in calories. Cilantro can be consumed practically every day if consumed in moderation.

• Harvest time: 30 days
• Ease of care: Very easy
• Container Size: Wide 12-18 inch container (2-3 pots)
• Serving size: 15-20 sprigs every day

Spinach

Aside from the green vegetable spinach, which is easy to grow and can be fed on a regular basis, our guinea pigs also enjoy the leafy green vegetable parsley.

It has high levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, among other essential nutrients. Because spinach contains a moderately high concentration of calcium, it is recommended that you serve it in small portions.

• Harvest time: 30 days
• Ease of care: Easy
• Container Size: 7-gallon pot(1 pot)
• Serving size: 1 small leaf two times a week

Carrots

Carrots are one of the most popular veggies among our guinea pigs, and they are one of their favorite vegetables.

Carrots, which are high in Vitamin A, C, and other nutrients, can be fed to guinea pigs three to four times per week. Also, carrot greens make an excellent food for our guinea pigs!

• Harvest time: 40-50 Days
• Ease of care: Moderate
• Container size: 7 gallons (2-3 Pots)
• Serving size: One small-sized carrot 3-4 times a week.

Cucumber

We’ve found that cucumber is a wonderful addition to our guinea pig’s diet. Cucumbers, for example, are generally climbers that don’t take up a lot of room in their containers. As a result, it is an excellent companion plant.

In cucumbers, you’ll find a variety of vitamins and minerals. It also serves as a rehydrating and refreshing snack for our guinea pigs.

• Harvest time: 55-65 days
• Ease of care: Moderate
• Container size: 15-20 gallons(1 container)
• Serving size: 1-2 small slice 2-3 times a week

Zucchini

Aside from cucumbers, zucchini is another summer squash that our guinea pigs like eating.

Despite the fact that it does not include a significant amount of vitamins and minerals, it is nevertheless a delicious summertime snack option.

Just like cucumber, zucchini is a climber that requires assistance or a trellis in order to grow properly and sustainably.

• Harvest time: 40-50 days
• Ease of care: Moderate
• Container Size: 15-20 gallons(1 container)
• Serving size: 1-2 small slice 2-3 times a week

Lettuce

lettuce is one of the basic veggies in our guinea pig’s diet, and it’s one of his favorite foods. In the market, there is a large selection of lettuce varieties to choose from.

Green leaf lettuce and red lettuce are two of the most common and straightforward lettuce varieties to grow. Other lettuce varieties should be avoided since they take much longer to mature.

• Harvest time: 45-55 days
• Ease of care: Moderate
• Container size: 7 gallons (One per container)(2-3 containers)
• Serving size: One leaf of lettuce every day.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another easy to grow fruit or perennials that may be harvested throughout the year in some areas, such as the United States.

Tomatoes, which are high in vitamins and minerals, can be served to our guinea pigs 2-3 times each week.

• Harvest time: 40-50 days
• Ease of care: Moderate
• Container Size: 7 Gallons (2 containers)
• Serving size: one small slice 2-3 times a week

Watercress

Watercress is a great food for our guinea pigs because it is high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as other necessary nutrients and antioxidants, among other things.

It also includes a significant amount of calcium, and as a result, it should be used in moderation.

• Harvest time: 15-21 days
• Ease of care: Easy
• Container: 7 gallons (1 container)
• Serving size: 1-2 small leaves 1-2 times a week

Easy to grow fruits for guinea pigs

Fruit gardening can be difficult for most gardeners, especially when you only have a small amount of space to work with.

When it comes to container gardening, the possibilities are extremely limited. Some of the vegetables that are simple to cultivate in containers include:

Strawberries

Strawberries are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and other critical nutrients that our guinea pigs require to thrive.

However, it contains a significant amount of sugar, which makes them a delectable treat if consumed in moderation.

Strawberries are one of the most simple fruits to cultivate in a container garden, and they can be quite productive.

• Harvest time: 30-45 days
• Ease of care: Moderate
• Container: 7 gallons (1 container)
• Serving size: 1 small piece once a week

Raspberries

Besides being delicious for humans, raspberries are also delicious for our guinea pigs.

It can be given to our guinea pigs on a regular basis because it is packed with vitamins A, C, and other essential elements, among others.

Although it is possible for it to take a long time to grow, a great deal of patience is necessary.

• Harvest time: 13-15 months
• Ease of care: Moderate
• Container: 15 gallons (1 container)
• Serving size: 1 small piece once a week

Grapes

We’ve found that grapes make a fantastic snack for our guinea pigs. A small slice of grape can cause your guinea pig to drool in anticipation of a larger piece.

When it comes to presenting fruits, though, moderation is the key to success.

Aside from that, grapes include a trace amount of critical vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K.

Because grapevines grow vertically, they require a great deal of support to ensure optimal growth.

• Harvest time: 24-36 months
• Ease of care: Moderate
• Container: 7 gallons (1 container)
• Serving size: 1 small piece once a week