Edible plants

[sarah w.]

hey!

So I redid my red foots enclosure and turned it into a kiddie pool!

I want to plant some flowers or plants in it, but I need help figuring out what's safe for her.

Google helps little to none.

 

[Anyfoot]

@Pearly can help.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

If you know the names of the plants http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/site/tortoise_home_1.asp
can be of use, though it's a tad over-cautious (and correctly so).
Otherwise post pictures and peeps will try to identify them for you.

 

[MysticCaribou]

If you know the names of the plants http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/site/tortoise_home_1.asp
can be of use, though it's a tad over-cautious (and correctly so).
Otherwise post pictures and peeps will try to identify them for you.

TheTortoiseTable.org is amazing. I love that website. It has answered many questions for me, as far as what plants are safe to eat. Highly recommend it.

 

[Anyfoot]

hey!

So I redid my red foots enclosure and turned it into a kiddie pool!

I want to plant some flowers or plants in it, but I need help figuring out what's safe for her.

Google helps little to none.

What's your enclosure like. Is it high enough for large plants?

 

[Pearly]

I think that very few ornamentals would thrive in kiddy pool due to drainage issue, unless you keep it on the covered patio where getting soggy during rain is not a concern. There are many flowers and ornamental plants that are suitable for torts depending to amount of light exposure you can plant some pretty foliage plants (like Hosta or different ferns) or some flowers like begonia, petunia, zinnia, pansy, snapdragon, calendula, geranium, marigolds... and many others. Just whatever you get, don't bring plants fresh from nursery, especially unless you know that the one you use never uses chemicals to control pests. Those are poison and will make your tort very sick or even kill if ingested. The only source i get my tort enclosure plants is this "dinky" herb nursery here in Austin that has nothing "pretty or manicured" about it. Their plants are also NOT as pretty as Lowes or private garden centers where plants look all this same and uniform, they are all beautiful, healthy looking, with bugs or disease on them. The best way to plant enclosure is to start your own plants from seed. I have also been digging up some plants/weeds from my garden (i know those are safe). Possibilities are endless, just don't be surprised when after the first few wks of looking great they start looking ... not so good. With any plant there are also couple of fundamental concerns that I always struggle with: 1) light exposure 2) drainage. I'd definitely go for seeds, and if you get your hands on organic potted plants you could bury the pot in substrate. This way you can easily take it out if it starts looking sad. Make sure your kiddy pool is protected from getting flooded, there is plenty of shade and fresh water. I just had another plant idea for you. See if your local grocery store sells potted herbs and veggies. Could get some of those, pumpking or squash type vines grow well anywhere and torts love their flowers. And succulents!!! Just stay away from sedum. Keep us posted