How To Squirrel Proof Vegetable Garden This Year 2023

Built in row covers on a raised bed garden. Great for protecting from www.pinterest.com

Identifying the Problem

Squirrels are a major pest in many gardens, particularly those that grow vegetables. They can wreak havoc in a garden in no time, eating vegetables and digging up plants. The best way to protect your vegetables is to squirrel proof your garden. This involves making the garden less attractive to squirrels, by making it harder for them to get in and by providing fewer food sources. But how do you go about doing this?

Build a Fence

The first and most obvious line of defense against squirrels is to build a fence around your vegetable garden. This is the most effective way of keeping them out, as it is a physical barrier that they can't get around. Make sure the fence is tall enough that the squirrels can't simply jump over it, and make sure it is buried deep enough into the ground that they can't dig underneath it. If you have a particularly persistent squirrel problem, you could even consider an electric fence.

Set Up a Scarecrow

Another effective way to keep squirrels away from your vegetable garden is to set up a scarecrow. Squirrels are very wary of predators, so a scarecrow is a great way to make them think twice before entering your garden. You can also use other methods of scaring them off, such as motion-activated sprinklers or even just a loud noise.

Spray Repellents

You can also try using a spray repellent to keep the squirrels away. There are many different types of repellents available, so you should be able to find one that works for your garden. Make sure you read the instructions carefully before applying the repellent, and make sure you spray it in all the areas where the squirrels are likely to enter.

Remove Attractive Food Sources

Another way to squirrel proof your vegetable garden is by removing any attractive food sources that might be enticing the squirrels. This includes fallen fruit, bird feeders, and nuts. Make sure you clean up any food that has fallen on the ground, as this can be a major attraction for squirrels. You should also be careful not to leave pet food outside, as this can attract squirrels as well.

Eliminate Nesting Sites

Squirrels need somewhere to nest, so if you can eliminate potential nesting sites, you can help to keep them away from your vegetable garden. This includes removing dead trees and large bushes, as well as trimming back any branches that are close to your garden. You can also use birdhouses to provide a nesting site for birds, which will help to keep the squirrels away.

Cage Your Vegetable Plants

If you want to protect individual plants from being eaten by squirrels, you can cage them. This involves placing a wire mesh cage around the plant, so that the squirrels can't get to it. This can be an effective way of keeping the squirrels away, but make sure the cage is large enough that the plant can still get enough sunlight and air.

Use a Squirrel Deterrent

Finally, you can use a squirrel deterrent to keep them away from your garden. There are a variety of different deterrents available, such as sonic repellents, motion-activated sprinklers, and peppermint oil. Make sure you research the different types of deterrents to find one that is effective for your particular situation.

Conclusion

Squirrels can be a real nuisance in vegetable gardens, but with a little preparation and some useful tactics, you can easily squirrel proof your garden. Building a fence, setting up a scarecrow, spraying repellents, removing attractive food sources, eliminating nesting sites, and caging plants are all effective ways of keeping the squirrels away. You can also use a squirrel deterrent to help keep them away. With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy a squirrel free vegetable garden this year.