How To Protect Your Vegetable Garden From Squirrels

Master Gardener Tips to keep squirrels away from vegetable gardens from tulsaworld.com

Introduction

Every gardener knows the joy and satisfaction of growing their own vegetables. However, there is one problem that comes with growing vegetables: squirrels. While these cute, furry creatures may seem harmless, they can quickly wreak havoc in your garden. Fortunately, there are a few steps that you can take to protect your vegetable garden from squirrels. In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective ways to keep squirrels away from your vegetable garden.

Fencing

One of the most effective ways to protect your vegetable garden from squirrels is by installing a fence. A fence can be a simple barrier that keeps the squirrels out, or it can be a more complex system of electric wires or motion-activated sprinklers. Regardless of the type of fence you choose, make sure it is tall enough and strong enough to keep the squirrels out. You should also be sure to bury the fence at least 6 inches deep to prevent the squirrels from digging underneath it.

Plants and Trees

Planting certain plants and trees around your vegetable garden can also help to keep squirrels away. Some types of trees, such as cedar, fir, and yew, are known to be particularly effective at deterring squirrels. Additionally, there are certain plants, such as lavender, rosemary, and peppermint, that can also help to keep squirrels away from your garden. Planting these types of plants and trees around the perimeter of your garden can help to create an unpleasant environment for the squirrels and encourage them to stay away.

Traps and Repellents

If you find that the squirrels are still getting into your garden despite your best efforts, then it might be time to resort to traps and repellents. There are a number of different types of traps that can be used to catch squirrels, such as live traps and box traps. If you want to avoid trapping the squirrels, then you can also use chemical repellents or motion-activated sprinklers to keep them away from your garden.

Mulch and Netting

Another effective way to protect your vegetable garden from squirrels is to use mulch and netting. Mulch can be used to cover the soil of your garden and make it difficult for the squirrels to dig in and access the plants. You can also use netting to cover your plants and keep the squirrels from getting to them. Just be sure to use a net that is strong enough to keep the squirrels out but light enough to allow the plants to get enough sunlight.

Clean Up

Lastly, it is important to clean up any mess that the squirrels leave behind. Be sure to regularly check your garden for any signs of the squirrels and remove any debris that they may have left behind. This will help to discourage them from returning and will also help to keep your garden looking neat and tidy.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a few steps that you can take to protect your vegetable garden from squirrels. Fencing, planting certain plants and trees, using traps and repellents, using mulch and netting, and cleaning up the mess that the squirrels leave behind are all effective methods of keeping the squirrels out of your garden. So, if you want to keep your vegetables safe from these pesky critters, be sure to follow the steps outlined above.