How can I protect my potted plants from squirrels digging in them?
-
Douglas Hunt on Apr 03, 2013Vickie, I might try wrapping the containers in chicken wire until the plants get established and filled in enough that the soil isn't readily accessible. Possibly a good sprinkling of cayenne pepper as well. And definitely do not use bone meal as a fertilizer with anything you plant.Helpful Reply
-
-
Debbie Borthwick on Apr 03, 2013Another option I always recommend, is hen manure. They sell it as fertilizer (adds calcium to the soil...awesome for tomatoes!) but it works as a deterrent for squirrels. They don't like chickens, we have 6 'ladies' that like to scratch under our bird feeders, and as a result, I don't get squirrels raiding them. It is dried, so there is no 'manure' smell. Works great around bulbs, too.Helpful Reply
-
-
Vickie Anderson on Apr 03, 2013Last year I used bicycle rims which worked but they were big and couldn't push pots close to each other but even with the plants being big and established the squirrels still break the plants and uproot them. I will try the chicken wire and chicken manure. Every thing chicken this year. I usually have at least 15 squirrels around all the time. Thanks!Helpful Reply
-
-
Lynne on Apr 03, 2013thanks for the information...i have lots of squirrels that tear up everything..someone told me to get fox or wolf urine and put around..ha these bad creatures went right around itHelpful Reply
-
-
Melissa G on Apr 04, 2013Vickie, there is a granular product called Shake Away that I use to deter squirrels who do the same thing in my garden. You just shake it on the dirt around your plants. It smells like an animal's urine and it supposedly makes the critters think that another animal is around. I bought it at our local nursery and it works for me.Helpful Reply
-
-
Vickie Anderson on Apr 04, 2013Thank you will try anything.Helpful Reply
-
-
Lori J on Apr 04, 2013Wow--lots of squirrels in our neighborhood, and no plant damage. Must be the dog.Helpful Reply
-
-
Vickie Anderson on Apr 04, 2013Well I have 5 dachshunds and a Norwegian Elk Hound and the squirrels still come on to my deck and dig up my plants. I try to do container gardening and the squirrels are always sitting in the plants and digging them up and eating the leaves. I put impatience and geraniums in pots around my deck and pond and can't keep the squirrels from breaking the branches or just digging up the whole plant. Last year I put a few bicycle rims on the containers w/veggies and this year I am going to try some of the suggestions above. I put out peanuts and ear corn for the squirrels and birds so I assume the squirrels are just trying to bury some of their stash.All 14 of them.Helpful Reply
-
-
Sarah Nave on Apr 04, 2013@Douglas Hunt Cayenne pepper? Really? thats a great tip! I have the same issue with the little fuzz balls in the front yard. They LOVE my marigold boxesHelpful Reply
-
-
Kayakath on Mar 06, 2015I plan on trying putting plastic forks tines up all over the areas where squirrels could be a problemHelpful Reply
-
-
Carmen on Mar 06, 2015plastic forks, skewers, any point object, must be placed close together.Helpful Reply
-
Related Discussions
GNATS - How to get rid of them?
Somehow my house and garden got tiny gnats that killed my fuchsia plant and fly everywhere. I have tried ALL the Web recommendations - soap and oil dishes, sand in th... See more
Marigolds growing! Should I pinch the buds?
My marigold plants are growing. I heard that pinching the buds until Autumn will allow them to grow without killing the plant. Is this true?
Growing garlic
Growing our first garlic, should we wait until the leaves are drying out before we pick it? Husband picked first one today along with our first potatoes.
How to keep mice out of your garden?
Hi everyone, I have mice in my garden destroying my vegetables and I have also noticed them in the barn and shed. Please can someone tell me how to prevent them from ... See more
What's the best flower/plant to grow in Texas?
I know that opinions vary, but what's your opinion?!I have great luck w Rosemary plants. Green all year long.
How can I keep the squirrels from digging up my begonia bulbs.
How can I protect my canna lily plants from whatever is eating them?
Something is eating the leaves of my cannas. Had canna in my yard NEVER had a problem. Looks like they start at the new leaves