How To Keep Animals Away From Your Vegetable Garden
Identify Potential Pests
The first step in keeping animals away from your vegetable garden is to identify what types of pests you are likely to encounter. Depending on where you live, you may have to deal with rabbits, deer, squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks, moles, gophers, skunks, and other critters. Knowing what type of animals you are likely to encounter will help you decide which measures you should take to keep them away. If you are not sure what type of pests you are likely to encounter, contact your local extension office or wildlife management department for help.
Fence Them Out
One of the most effective ways to keep animals away from your vegetable garden is to create a physical barrier. You can do this by erecting a fence around your garden. Fences should be at least 8 feet high, and you should also install a fence at the bottom to prevent burrowing animals from entering your garden. Make sure that the fence is secure and that there are no holes or gaps that animals can slip through. You can also use chicken wire or wire mesh to line the bottom of your fence to further deter animals from entering your garden.
Employ Natural Repellents
You can also use natural repellents to keep animals away from your vegetable garden. One of the most common methods is to use strong-smelling repellents such as garlic, hot pepper spray, or vinegar. You can also use predator urine or predator scat, such as coyote or fox urine, to scare away animals. Additionally, you can use ultrasonic repellents, which emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to animals. Be sure to reapply these repellents regularly, as they will lose their effectiveness over time.
Grow Unpalatable Plants
Another way to keep animals away from your vegetable garden is to plant certain plants that animals find unpalatable. Examples of these plants include garlic, onions, marigolds, and chrysanthemums. Planting these plants around the perimeter of your garden will help deter animals from entering. Additionally, some animals will eat certain plants and then leave the garden, while others will avoid the garden altogether.
Eliminate Attractants
Animals are attracted to certain smells, so it is important to eliminate any potential attractants from your garden. Keep pet food and bird feeders away from your garden, as these can attract animals. Additionally, avoid using chemical fertilizers or pesticides, as these can also attract animals. Finally, keep your garden area clean and free of debris and weeds, as this will help discourage animals from entering.
Discourage Foraging
If animals are already present in your garden, you can discourage them from foraging by using motion-activated sprinklers or loud noises. These devices are triggered when an animal enters the garden, and they can help deter animals from returning. Additionally, you can spread used kitty litter around the garden, as the smell of the litter will help keep animals away.
Install A Scarecrow
Scarecrows are a classic way to keep animals away from your vegetable garden. Scarecrows can be made from a variety of materials, and you can even buy premade scarecrows online or in garden centers. A scarecrow can be dressed up with a variety of items to make it look more realistic, such as hats, scarves, and old clothing. The movement of the scarecrow in the wind will help scare away animals from your garden.
Monitor Your Garden
Finally, it is important to monitor your garden regularly for signs of animal activity. Check your garden for tracks, droppings, and other signs of animal activity, and take action if you notice any. Additionally, check for damage to your plants and take steps to repair it. By monitoring your garden regularly, you can quickly identify any potential problems and take steps to address them.
Conclusion
Keeping animals away from your vegetable garden can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to be. By taking the necessary steps to identify potential pests, erecting a fence, using natural repellents, planting unpalatable plants, eliminating attractants, discouraging foraging, and installing a scarecrow, you can help ensure that your garden remains free of animals. Additionally, monitoring your garden regularly can help you quickly identify any potential problems and take steps to address them. With these tips, you can keep animals away from your vegetable garden and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
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