5 Companion Plants to Grow Near Duck Runs for Cleaner Eggs

If you’re like me and keep ducks for their charming personalities and delicious eggs, you know that a dirty duck egg can be a real pain in the neck. Ducks are adorable mud lovers — they splash, wade, and wallow in their runs like little garden excavators. While that’s a delight to watch, it turns your eggs into muddy, grimy messes if you don’t stay on top of it. 

After juggling a garden and ducks for years, I discovered that planting the right greenery around the duck run works wonders for cleaner eggs. Think of these plants as your secret garden squad, each playing a role like a tight-knit sports team, working together to keep the environment tidy, the bugs away, and your ducks happy.

Here’s the lowdown on five stellar companion plants you should grow near your duck run for cleaner, fresher eggs.

Why Companion Plants Matter Around Duck Runs

Before we dive into the plant lineup, let’s chat about why companion planting around duck runs is a game changer. Duck runs often become soggy mud pits, especially after rain or during winter. Mud and standing water aren’t just a mess; they become a breeding ground for bacteria, parasites, and pests. That means dirtier eggs and cranky ducks.

By planting certain species that soak up excess moisture, deter pests, and create natural shade, you create an ecosystem that works with you, not against you. These plants act like a natural sponge, an insect bouncer, and a comfy lounge all rolled into one. Plus, some plants offer edible treats or extra nutrition for your flock — talk about a win-win!

Check out: Can a Domestic Duck Survive in the Wild?

1. Mint: The Aromatic Fly Bouncer

If you’ve ever crushed mint leaves and breathed in that fresh, zingy scent, you know its power. Mint does more than just flavor mojitos; it acts as a natural fly repellent. Flies love duck runs like kids love candy stores, but mint seeds sends them packing.

Why I Love Mint:

• Thrives in moist soil, perfect for soggy duck runs.
  
• Spreads quickly, acting as a living carpet that reduces mud patches.
  
• Releases aromatic oils that keep flies and mosquitoes away.
  
• Ducks nibble on it occasionally, adding a refreshing snack to their diet.
  

Note: Mint spreads like wildfire, so consider planting it in a container buried in the ground to keep it from taking over the yard.

2. Comfrey: The Deep-Rooted Soil Savior

Comfrey is like the unsung hero of the garden. It dives deep with its roots, sucking up excess water and nutrients, reducing runoff and mud in the run. Plus, comfrey leaves make fantastic mulch or duck snacks.

Comfrey Highlights:

• Deep roots stabilize soil and absorb water.
  
• Rich in minerals that enrich soil when chopped and dropped.
  
• Ducks enjoy nibbling on the tender young leaves.
  
• Helps reduce erosion around the run edges.
  

If your run borders a slope or a drainage ditch, comfrey can act like a green sponge, soaking up excess moisture before it turns your run into a swamp.

3. Lamb’s Ear: The Soft Ground Cover

Lamb’s Ear feels like nature’s soft carpet underfoot. Its fuzzy, velvety leaves provide excellent ground cover, keeping mud at bay and creating a dry, comfortable zone near the duck run.

What Makes Lamb’s Ear a Winner:

• Thick, soft leaves absorb foot traffic and reduce soil compaction.
  
• Thrives in well-drained soil but tolerates some wetness.
  
• Its silver-grey foliage reflects heat, keeping the area cooler in summer.
  
• Low maintenance and deer-resistant.
  

I like to think of Lamb’s Ear as the duck run’s natural doormat, trapping dirt and moisture before it turns into a mess.

4. Marigolds: The Pest-Fighting Color Pop

Marigolds don’t just brighten the garden with their sunny blooms—they pack a punch against pests. Their strong scent confuses insects and discourages garden nematodes that can lurk in the soil.

Marigold Perks:

• Repels flies, mosquitoes, and other unwanted pests.
  
• Adds a splash of color, lifting the visual vibe of the duck run.
  
• Easy to grow from seed and blooms all summer.
  
• Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, which eat aphids.
  

Planting marigolds around the perimeter of your run feels like hiring a colorful security team for your ducks.

Check out: Before You Plant: Should You Soak Marigold Seeds before Planting?

5. Lemongrass: The Mosquito’s Worst Nightmare

Lemongrass smells like a tropical breeze and doubles as a mosquito repellent. It thrives in wet soil, making it perfect for damp spots around duck runs.

Why Lemongrass Rocks:

• Its citronella oils naturally repel mosquitoes and flies.
  
• Tolerates soggy ground better than many plants.
  
• Provides tall, graceful foliage for shade and shelter.
  
• Can be harvested to make homemade insect sprays.
  

Growing lemongrass near your duck run means fewer itchy mosquito bites—and happier ducks, which translates to cleaner, more stress-free egg-laying.

Quick Reference Table: Companion Plants for Duck Runs

Plant	Key Benefits	Soil Preference	Maintenance Notes
Mint	Fly repellent, fast ground cover	Moist, well-drained	Contain spread in pots
Comfrey	Absorbs water, soil enrichment	Moist	Cut back regularly for mulch
Lamb’s Ear	Soft ground cover, mud control	Well-drained	Low maintenance, drought-tolerant
Marigolds	Pest repellent, bright blooms	Well-drained	Deadhead to prolong blooms
Lemongrass	Mosquito repellent, shelter	Moist, warm	Cut stems for insect spray

Will Ducks Eat Those Companion Plants?

If you’ve just planted herbs and flowers near your duck run, you might be eyeing your feathered friends with suspicion. The truth is—yes, ducks are curious nibblers. They’ll taste just about anything green within reach. Some companion plants are more tempting than others, depending on the duck and what’s available.

Here’s a quick breakdown of common companion plants and their duck appeal:

Plant	Will Ducks Eat It?
Mint	Occasionally
Lavender	Rarely
Nasturtiums	Yes, they love them
Marigolds	Sometimes
Rosemary	Rarely

To protect your plants, consider growing them just outside the run or in raised beds. Hanging baskets and garden fencing also help keep nosy beaks at bay. With a little planning, you can enjoy both a beautiful garden and cleaner duck eggs—without the feast turning into a buffet.

Read: How to Keep Ducks Hydrated: Simple Solutions for a Thirsty Flock

Bonus Tips to Keep Your Duck Run Clean and Happy

Companion plants are just one piece of the puzzle. I pair them with good run management to keep my ducks—and their eggs—spotless.

• Regular Bedding Change: Straw or wood shavings absorb moisture and keep things fresh.
  
• Drainage Solutions: Install gravel or drain tiles if water pools after rain.
  
• Nest Boxes: Place clean, dry nesting boxes in shaded spots, surrounded by companion plants.
  
• Flock Rotation: Rotate the ducks between runs to allow soil to recover.
  

Final Thoughts: Nature’s Teamwork for Cleaner Eggs

If raising ducks feels like juggling water balloons, planting the right companions around their run turns the chaos into a well-oiled machine. These plants become your green allies, soaking up excess water, kicking pests to the curb, and keeping your ducks happy enough to lay eggs that practically sparkle.

Whether you’re a seasoned duck keeper or a newbie, think of companion planting as your garden’s secret handshake—a natural way to keep things clean without sweating every muddy egg. Trust me, the effort pays off when you crack open a fresh, spotless duck egg for breakfast.