How to Keep Squirrels from Digging Potted Plants

Squirrels can be a real pest for gardeners, especially when they start digging up your potted plants. Not only can they damage your plants, but they can also make a mess of your beautiful garden. If you’re looking for ways to keep squirrels away from your potted plants, here are some tips you can try:

1. Use Physical Barriers

One of the most effective ways to keep squirrels from digging up your potted plants is to use physical barriers. This can include placing wire mesh or chicken wire around the pot or using plant covers that are designed to keep animals away. This will help prevent the squirrels from gaining access to your plants and digging around them.

2. Use Repellents

Another option is to use repellents to keep squirrels away from your plants. This can include natural repellents like cayenne pepper, garlic, or coffee grounds. These can be sprinkled around the base of your plants or mixed with water and sprayed on the leaves.

You can also use chemical repellents that are designed to keep squirrels away. These can be found at your local garden center and may include products like Liquid Fence and Critter Ridder. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and keep them away from children and pets.

3. Provide Alternative Food Sources

One reason that squirrels may be digging up your potted plants is that they’re looking for food. To keep them away from your plants, try providing them with an alternative food source. This can include placing bird feeders or squirrel feeders in your yard, or putting out nuts and seeds for them to eat.

4. Remove Attractive Nuisances

Another way to keep squirrels away from your potted plants is to remove any attractive nuisances from your yard. This can include things like bird feeders, pet food dishes, and open trash cans. By removing these, you’ll be making your yard less attractive to squirrels and other animals that may be causing problems.

5. Plant Squirrel-Resistant Plants

If you’re consistently having trouble with squirrels digging up your potted plants, you may want to consider planting squirrel-resistant plants instead. These can include plants like daffodils, lavender, and alliums.

By using one or more of these tips, you can keep squirrels from digging up your potted plants and keep your garden looking beautiful. Just remember to be patient and persistent, as it may take some trial and error to find the perfect solution for your garden.