How Do I Keep Squirrels Out of My Potted Plants?

If you're an avid gardener or simply enjoy the beauty of potted plants, the last thing you want is to have pesky squirrels digging around and potentially causing damage to your cherished plants. Fortunately, there are several easy and effective methods you can try to keep squirrels away and protect your potted plants.

Method 1: Place Repellent Plants Around Your Potted Plants

One of the simplest and most natural ways to keep squirrels away from your potted plants is to place repellent plants nearby. Plants such as daffodils, alliums, and fritillarias have a strong odor that squirrels find distasteful, and planting them around your potted plants can keep squirrels at bay.

Another option is to plant herbs such as mint, rosemary, or lavender, which have an aroma that squirrels tend to avoid. Not only do these plants serve as a natural squirrel deterrent, but they also add a lovely scent to your garden.

Method 2: Use Physical Barriers

If planting repellent plants isn't an option, you can also use physical barriers to keep squirrels out of your potted plants. One effective method is to cover the soil around your potted plants with gravel, rocks, or cactus spines. Squirrels don't like to walk on these rough surfaces, so they'll likely avoid digging in the soil.

You can also use chicken wire or hardware cloth to create a fence around your potted plants. Simply wrap the wire or cloth around the base of your plant container, burying it a few inches below the soil level. This will make it difficult for squirrels to access the soil and damage your plants.

Method 3: Deploy Repellent Sprays or Granules

If you want a more direct approach to keeping squirrels away from your potted plants, you can also use repellent sprays or granules. These products contain strong scents that squirrels find unpleasant, and they can be easily applied to the soil around your plants.

One option is to use a commercial squirrel repellent spray, which can be found at most garden stores or online retailers. Alternatively, you can make your own repellent spray using natural ingredients such as cayenne pepper, garlic, and vinegar.

Another popular option is to use granular repellents, which can be sprinkled around the base of your potted plants. These products often contain capsaicin, a compound found in chili peppers that squirrels find irritating to their skin and eyes.

Method 4: Provide an Alternate Food Source

Squirrels are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. If you're having trouble keeping squirrels away from your potted plants, you may want to consider providing an alternate food source. This can be as simple as placing a bird feeder or suet block in your garden to attract squirrels away from your plants.

Keep in mind, however, that providing an alternate food source may not completely solve the problem if squirrels are still attracted to your potted plants. It's best to use this method in conjunction with one of the other methods listed above.

Conclusion

Keeping squirrels away from your potted plants can be a frustrating and challenging task, but it's not impossible. By using a combination of repellent plants, physical barriers, repellent sprays or granules, and alternative food sources, you can successfully protect your plants from these furry pests. With a little effort, you can enjoy a beautiful and flourishing garden without the fear of squirrels digging around and causing damage.