Article submitted by Leah, free seeds will be in the next batch.

I have 2 Leopard Tortoise (the boys) their daily diet is one of grass and weeds.  In the summer months they have a much more varied diet and their own space in the garden to graze and hide.  The problem that I have in this part of my garden is growing weeds, flowers and cactus, and ones the boys can eat; at a rate that will see them through the summer and winter months. (For such small animals they don't half eat a lot)

I used to find it harder to grow weeds than plants, although most gardeners will tell you they don't even have to try.  I found out that if you freeze the weed seeds before you sow them you do get a better outcome.  This means that the weeds that the boys are unable to eat I ensure they are pulled up before they have a chance to reseed over the winter.

As with my Tortoises only eating certain weeds, there are also food that I grow for myself and plants, which they are unable to eat.  This means that I need to keep these separate from the boy’s area.  This has become more difficult over time.  As my gardening skills have improved, the crops I have wanted to grow have also increased.

I have dealt this problem with growing certain plants and flowers in raised beds and hanging baskets.  This year we have also decided that as the roof of our garage is easily accessible, and has sun for the majority of the day. No space in our garden is going to be safe this year.

For us it is all about using the space that we have, and getting the best and safe gardening outcome in our garden for ourselves and for the boys.