Introduction

Chipmunks are cute little creatures that can wreak havoc in your garden and potted plants. They dig holes, uproot plants and often use your potted plants as their personal pantry, stealing fruits and seeds. This can be frustrating and costly, as you’ll have to replace damaged plants and soil. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep chipmunks from digging in potted plants.

Remove Food Sources

Chipmunks are attracted to food sources, so the first step is to remove anything enticing. Keep your outdoor area clean and tidy, removing any fallen fruits, seeds or nuts. Ensure that trash is properly disposed of and compost bins are securely covered. If possible, remove bird feeders, as they can be seized upon by chipmunks as an easy source of food.

Planting Techniques

There are several planting techniques that can help deter chipmunks. These include using plants that are not attractive to them, such as sage, mint, and lavender. Plants that are poisonous or have a strong odor can also be used. Consider planting allium bulbs, daffodils or fritillaries around your potted plants. These plants emit an odor that can repel chipmunks. Additionally, surrounding the base of the potted plants with gravel, rocks or mulch can discourage chipmunks from digging.

Repellents

Another option for keeping chipmunks at bay is to use repellents. These products work by emitting a smell or taste that chipmunks find unpleasant. Some common repellents include mothballs, hot pepper spray, and coyote urine. These repellents can be sprayed around the potted plants, or placed in the pots themselves. It is important to note that repellents do need to be reapplied regularly to keep working.

Physical Barriers

Building a physical barrier around your potted plants can be the most effective way to keep chipmunks out. You can use chicken wire or hardware cloth to wrap around the base of the pot, and then bury it in the soil. This will prevent chipmunks from digging near your potted plants. If your plants are particularly vulnerable, you can cover them with a mesh netting. This is particularly useful if you are trying to protect a fruit-bearing plant.

Conclusion

Having chipmunks in your garden is not necessarily a bad thing, but they can be a nuisance when they start digging in your potted plants. Using the above tips can help keep chipmunks from causing damage to your potted plants. A combination of these methods is likely to be the most successful in keeping your plants safe and intact.