Is there some way to discourage sqirrels from gardens, flowerpots,etc?

put an electrical fence around garden low current just enough to shock them away

Barrie, Have you tried putting cones made of smooth plastic over the plants so that when the squirrels try jumpinginto the hanging pots they will be repelled by the plastic and fall off? In the garden try hot pepper sprinkled on and around the base of plants. May be the link below might be of help too. Good Luck and thank you for coming to Hometalk for answers :)

http://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/animals-and-wildlife/17-ways-to-get-rid-of-squirrels-pictures

Sprinkle cayenne pepper on the top of your Potts. If you have a problem with them digging up your bulbs and tubers put the Cayenne in the ground with the bulb or tuber it deters them

https://www.hunker.com/12159739/how-to-keep-squirrels-out-of-flower-pots

Choot em'! Choot em'! The only good rodent are at someone else's house or the aforementioned. IMO. Seriously though, they have literally eaten most of our eves and roof venting. They are distructive little rodents. And don't get me started on electrical wiring.

I have read multiple times that rodents do not like MINT. You could try planting some, or sprinkling dried mint around the tops of your plants, or put oil of peppermint on a cotton ball. Easy and non-toxic. Best wishes!

sprinkle moth balls around. they've always worked for me

In patio pots human hair worked. I have also tried rocks, and plastic forks. But since I cut my hair one day and used that, I haven't found the plants out on the concrete.