Squirrels are cute and fun to watch as they scamper along the trees and fences in your yard. However, these critters can quickly turn into a nuisance when they start to devour your garden vegetables and plants. Once they make your garden their feeding ground, they will keep coming back for more. But don’t worry, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep squirrels out of your garden for good.
Install Barriers
The first and most effective method to keep squirrels out of your garden is to install barriers. One way to do this is to fence off the garden area with chicken wire. Ensure that the fence is at least 3-4 feet high to prevent them from jumping over. It’s also essential to bury the fence at least six inches beneath the ground to keep them from tunneling underneath.
You can also use tree wraps around the trunks of fruit trees. This wrap is a sticky adhesive tape that traps the squirrels and keeps them off the tree. However, make sure you follow the instructions carefully when using tree wrap to avoid harming the tree in the process.
Use Deterrents
Squirrels are deterred by certain smells and tastes. One effective deterrent is spicy smells and flavors. Sprinkle cayenne pepper around the garden bed or mix it with water and spray it on your plants. The heat from the pepper will keep the squirrels away, and the natural ingredients won’t harm your plants.
Another popular squirrel deterrent is predator urine. You can purchase this from a local garden store or online. Sprinkle it around the perimeter of the garden, and it will create the impression of a predator nearby, scaring the squirrels away.
Plant the Right Vegetables
Another way to keep squirrels out of your garden is to plant vegetables that they don’t like. Squirrels are notorious for stealing tomatoes, fruits, and any leafy greens that are within reach. Choose plants like onions, garlic, and herbs like rosemary, oregano, or thyme, which have strong, pungent smells that squirrels don’t like.
Harvest Your Vegetables Early
Squirrels tend to attack your garden when the vegetables are mature and ready to harvest. If you harvest your vegetables before they are fully ripe, squirrels will lose interest and look elsewhere for their meal. When you see the first signs of ripening, pick your vegetables before they become targets.
Keeping squirrels out of your garden takes some effort, but it’s worth it. With the right techniques and approach, you can protect your garden and still enjoy the beauty of these cute creatures. Try a combination of methods, including installing barriers, using deterrents, planting the right vegetables, and harvesting early. By doing so, you will keep squirrels out of your garden and enjoy a healthy, vibrant vegetable garden.
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