Keeping Critters Out
In our last couple blog posts, we’ve looked at couple of common garden critters that can cause headaches for gardeners. In this post, I wanted to look at some easy solutions to consider. Of course, there’s a whole plethora of animals and bugs that would like a tasty feast so here are some general tips to take care of unwanted guests.
1. GROW IN RAISED BEDS.
Raised beds aren’t just great for plants and your back, they also work to keep critters out. Build your own or purchase a raised bed garden kit. If deer are a problem, protect your raised bed with a wire fence around the top, too by creating a “U” shaped bed with a gate.
2. CONTAIN COMPOST.
Your plants aren’t the only ones who love healthy, nutritious compost; it smells like a buffet to critters. Keep compost in a closed container with a lid to prevent animals from sniffing it out and enjoying the benefits of your garden.
3. USE REPELLENTS.
Liquid repellents work by keeping animals away with a bad smell or taste. Be sure to reapply after a rain. However, sometimes critters can start ignoring smell-based deterrents.
4. SCARE THEM AWAY.
There’s a reason they call it a scarecrow. Garden ornaments like scarecrows can be helpful in deterring animals, but they must be moved frequently for continued success. Motion sensor lights or sprinklers, like motion activated sprinklers, may also work as scare tactics.
5. BE MESSY.
Really! Keeping the edges of your garden clean and tidy is an open invitation to unwanted critters. Instead, let grasses and shrubs grow around the borders of your garden as a natural fence. The animals will, hopefully, chomp on those and fill up before they reach your plants.
6. PICK PROPER PLANTS.
Just like humans, animals have food preferences. While they might not be as picky, especially when they’re hungry, there are certain plants animals tend to stay away from. Choose especially fragrant or prickly plants to keep them away. Try lavender, sage and peonies. These can make excellent border plants.
7. BUILD A WALL.
Critters can’t eat your plants if they can’t get to them. Build a fence to ensure animals stay out of your garden. The height depends on what kind of animal you need to keep out. But be sure the fence goes at least 1 foot deep to prevent animals from digging underneath. Use wire fencing around your garden or fence in your entire yard with wood panels, bamboo or vinyl.
8. HIRE SECURITY.
It’s amazing how effective pets can be at keeping pests of the garden. Dogs and cats can tackle larger critters, while chickens are great bug snipers. Depending on your situation, Fido might be your best bet.
