Facts on Protecting Gardens From Animals

Wild animals can be a nuisance for gardeners. Depending on where you live, you may have to deal with anything from raccoons and deer to gophers and rabbits. Not only are animals damaging to the plants themselves, but they can ruin the soil by digging or removing beneficial insects.

Types

There are several types of protection devices that can be used to keep animals away from your garden: strong-smelling plants (such as catmint and rosemary), netting or fencing, organic repellents, motion-sensitive lights or acoustical alarms, and traditional scare devices such as scarecrows.

Considerations

If you live in the countryside, you may need to resort to several devices in order to keep away different animals. For example, physical barriers such as netting or fencing are effective in protecting your garden from deer, while plants such as oregano and thyme will keep wild rabbits away.

Prevention/Solution

It's easier to keep animals away if they don't get used to eating from your garden in the first place. Install protection devices even before you start planting.

Warning

Some of the chemical items used to keep animals away can be toxic to pets and children. Chemical products such as repellents and pesticides are the most obvious, but even some plants, such as lantana and daphne, can be poisonous if ingested.

Fun Fact

Having your dog roam the garden for a few minutes each day can be a very effective repellent. Both the smell and the presence of dog hair will keep many wild animals away.