Pet Safe Indoor Gardening

Houseplants and pets make wonderful additions to our homes but keeping them both safe can be challenging.

Select plants that are safe for your pets. Consult the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals website for a list of pet safe plants to grow and toxic plants to avoid.

Adjust your gardening style to keep your plants safe from curious pets. Mulch the soil in large planters with chunky woodchips, decorative stones or aluminum foil to prevent cats from using the planters as a litter box. Select a mulch that won’t pose a danger to other pets that might be tempted to eat it and possibly choke or have it lodged in their mouths.

Hang plants from the ceiling and wall brackets or set pots on high shelves out of the reach of curious animals. Prune long-dangling stems that can tempt playful pets.

A bit more information: Safe indoor animal repellents may help discourage persistent pets. Use products labeled for this purpose that are safe for pets, plants and furnishings. Enlisting scare tactics may be the next step to keeping your plants safe from grazing pets. Squirt bottles, noisemakers, and commercial devices may help deter pets from digging and munching on plants. Using a variety of strategies often yields the best results. Once you find the best method for keeping your plants safe and pets healthy and happy, you will enjoy the beauty and benefits indoor plants provide.