Are you feast up with torn - up plants , missing crops , and dirt strewn across your patio or yard by those furry rodents ? Squirrels may be cute and cuddly - look creatures , but they can also be pesky vermin when it comes to your garden .

Without the proper safeguard , your potted herbaceous plant and blossom could become susceptible to a few mental disorder by squirrel in the off - season . Take a look at some of these expert methods of keeping squirrels from destroying your beloved potted plants .

Recognizing Squirrel Damage

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During the belated summer and former surrender , you ’ll often find squirrels digging their agency through efflorescence pot to lay to rest their hoard of acorn and freak for the coming winter . These nut caches are buried a few inches into your container to keep them tightly stack away over the colder months . When this happens , it ’s not unlikely that a squirrel may finish updigging up a few bulbsyou planted or chew on some petals or leaf .

notice that your crop have been damage or gone omit is a key indicator that squirrels have start out tampering with your garden . Once your fruits and veg have started ripening , squirrel may take that as an invitation to junket on your home plate - grow produce .

Front yard xeriscape

Tousled soil , uprooted plants , and quick - to - emptybirdfeedersare secernate - tale signs that it ’s time to find oneself ways to guard off those hazy rodents .

How to Prevent Squirrels From Digging Into Your Plants

Although having wildlife in your pace is a wonderful thing , squirrels can do quite a bit of equipment casualty to your plant . luckily , there ’s no grounds you should have to yield to measly - look plant next spring . Here are some of the safe ways to keep your plant life dependable and looking vibrant all time of year long .

1. Use a Natural Repellent

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A common yet worthwhile way to repel squirrels from your garden is to fuse something into the soil that they find displeasing . raw squirrel repellents often contain capsaicin , the chemical compound that makeschili pepper spicy .

Other things that may discourage squirrels includevinegar , garlic , Allium cepa , and peppermint petroleum . Make your plants unattractive to squirrels by mixing two or more of these ingredient to sprinkle into your potting dirt .

Gardener watering tomatoes in the vegetable patch

2. Add a Layer of Rocks or Mulch

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order a layer of rocks over your potting soil may forestall squirrel from being capable to grind through the dirt underneath . This method works if you leave enough way for water to flow through well .

However , be wary during the summer month – rocks can sometimes take in excessive heat and damage your plants . If this becomes an offspring , consider using a thick level oforganic mulchto spile on top of your soil to make a barrier that keeps squirrels out and can provide a goodish addition to your land ’s nourishing content as it breaks down .

endless summer hydrangea in bloom

3. Cover Potted Plants With Mesh or Fabric

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If you do n’t beware sacrifice the open aesthetic of your garden , layer a barricade of mesh or fabric over the top of your potted plants can keep squirrels from getting too close in the first shoes .

Do n’t have any mesh or framework handy ? Fishing nets can also work fine as a strong-arm barrier around the plant . Similarly , position chicken conducting wire over the top of your industrial plant or in your container can also effectively manage your rodent problem .

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Keep your plants safe with a simple cover .

4. Ward them off with shiny objects

Image credits:[Rachel Claire ] via [ Pexels]Squirrels are n’t too lovesome of shiny things . So , hang up things like old cd , pinwheel , aluminum pans , or evensilverwarecan shine in the sun and scare off those unwanted pests .

However , remember that this might also deter other friendly animals from entering your garden , specially razz . If you do n’t mind throw overboard your day-by-day birdwatching activity , then continue to detect any glazed knickknacks around the house to put up around your potted plants .

5. Grow Squirrel-Repelling Plants

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It may seem heel counter - fat to deter squirrels away from your plants by growing more plants but it is n’t ! Certain plant are repellent to squirrels , which means planting them strategically around your present blossom and veggie could serve asnatural gadfly control .

A few squirrel - repelling industrial plant includedaffodils , genus Allium , geraniums , marigold , and red gum . Luckily , these severely - working works can add colouring material and vibrancy to your garden !

Cute small rodent animal sitting in flower pot and eating cracked nut. Feeding red squirrel on balcony.

6. Clean Up Your Yard

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If you have trees in your garden , your pace may be litter with nuts and acorns . This is the perfect opportunity for squirrels to scavenge for food and explore what else may be lying around . In other Son , your potted flora are an ample target for banqueting !

Take the time to pick up any nuts or acorn that have fallen into your yard . Then , transfer them to a localisation far from your potted plants . If this becomes too much oeuvre , it may be time to consider grow or selecting different type of trees .

chili peppers in wicker basket

No More Furry Critters!

Do you have squirrels foray into your garden every year ? Using a variety of these sluttish and affordable techniques will serve keep squirrels out of your potted plants .

potted plants with rocks

Fine white mesh seen over hoops covering lettuce plants protecting against insects.

forks and spoons on wooden table

marigold plants

Four acorns sit on a person’s hand