Protect Plants and Containers from Squirrels
Squirrels dig up bulbs, munch on tomatoes and damage containers and hanging baskets. You’ll need a variety of techniques and some luck to win the battle with these varmints.
Try covering new plantings with netting or floating row covers that allow air and water through to the plants. These barriers may discourage the squirrels and send them off looking for other dining locations. Once they move along you can try uncovering your plants.
Some gardeners report success with cayenne pepper. Wear goggles and gloves when applying this hot spice. Consider using a repellent, like Plantskydd, labeled for controlling squirrels. Treat before they start digging, apply as directed, and reapply as needed.
Scare tactics may also help with your efforts. But urban squirrels are used to human sounds and scents and are pretty difficult to scare.
No matter the solution -- monitor, adjust as needed and be persistent.
A bit more information: Protect your garden from birds, squirrels and other varmints with a commercial or homemade crop cage. Create a frame from wood, PVC or metal and cover the sides and top with netting.
Related
Audio
Video
Audio
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
March 27, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
How to Start a Garden for Beginners
Register now
April 3, 2024
Garden Trends
Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI
April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now
April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now
April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds:
A Gardener’s Perspective
Glendale, WI
April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now
April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL
April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI
April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now
May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More