Deterring Squirrels from Your Garden

As any avid gardener knows, squirrels can be a nuisance. From stealing food to digging up freshly planted seeds and bulbs, these critters are often the cause of headaches for gardeners. Fortunately, there are several strategies that you can use to deter squirrels from your garden and protect your plants.

The first line of defense is exclusion. Building a fence around your garden is an effective way to keep out squirrels and other small animals. The height should be at least three feet and have 1/4 inch mesh netting or metal grates attached along the top of the fence so that the animals can't climb over it. 

You can also discourage squirrels by providing alternate food sources away from your garden. Place bird feeders filled with sunflower seeds, peanuts, and other foods far away from your plants to attract them away from the garden. Make sure to clean up fallen seed husks regularly so they don't return to eat more!

If all else fails, there are chemical deterrents available on the market designed specifically to keep squirrels away. These repellents usually contain ingredients like cayenne pepper, garlic, cinnamon oil or mint oil which irritate the animals' senses when they come into contact with them. Spraying these repellents directly onto plants in your garden will help deter squirrels from getting too close.

With some planning and diligence, it is possible to protect your garden from pesky squirrels and keep them out for good! By using one or more of these tactics, you can enjoy gardening free of unwelcome guests!