What Dug Up My Potted Plants at Night?

As a passionate gardener, it’s disheartening to wake up to the sight of your potted plants uprooted and soil scattered all over the place. While it’s common to see herbivorous animals gnawing away at your plants, the sight of the mess stirred up by a nocturnal visitor can be quite confusing. So, what could have dug up your potted plants at night?

Small Rodents

One of the most common perpetrators of potted plant damage are small rodents, such as mice, rats, and voles. These creatures have a tendency of burrowing underground and reaching the roots of plants from the bottom. They uproot the plants in search of food, moisture, or shelter. Mice and rats, in particular, often dig shallow burrows in search of seeds and nuts.

Snails and Slugs

These slimy creatures are notorious for munching on leaves, stems, and tender plant shoots, especially at night. Snails and slugs leave a tell-tale trail of slime wherever they go, so it’s easy to determine their presence. They can easily reach plants from the ground, and prefer plants that are low to the soil. You can protect your potted plants against snails and slugs by creating a barrier with diatomaceous earth or eggshells around the rim of the pot.

Squirrels

Most squirrels are diurnal creatures, meaning they’re active during the day, but some may become active at nightfall. Squirrels are omnivorous animals and will eat almost anything, including leaves, twigs, and nuts. They often dig in flowerpots in search of buried seeds or nuts, uprooting some plants in the process.

Raccoons

Raccoons are notorious for their habit of rummaging through garbage bins, but they’re also known for digging around plants. They have sharp claws that enable them to dig, and strong arms that help them uproot plants. Raccoons are omnivorous and will eat almost anything, including fruits, vegetables, and insects. They often cause extensive damage to lawns and gardens at night.

Conclusion

If your potted plants have been dug up at night, there’s a high chance that the culprit is a small rodent, snail or slug, squirrel, or raccoon. As frustrating as it may be, there are measures you can take to protect your potted plants from these nocturnal visitors. To keep small rodents at bay, it’s important to keep a clean garden area, remove clutter, and avoid overwatering your plants. Creating natural barriers such as eggshells or diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of the pot can prevent slugs and snails from reaching your plants. To keep squirrels and raccoons out of your potted plants, consider using repellents or covering your pots with wire mesh or chicken wire. With these measures in place, you can protect your potted plants and enjoy the beauty of your garden without worrying about nocturnal visitors.