How to Keep Squirrels From Eating Tomato Plants
Successful tomato growing can be a rewarding experience for any gardener who savors the taste of homegrown fruits and vegetables. But exaltation can turn to disappointment for anyone who ventures out into the garden for a juicy tomato, only to find that the crop has already been a feast for squirrels. When cages, moth balls and trapping fail to keep squirrels from eating your tomato plants, you may need to leave a bad, peppery taste in their mouths. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Yellow onion
- Jalapeño pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Medium-sized pots
- Spray bottle
Instructions
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1
Chop up a yellow onion and a jalapeño pepper. Fill a medium-sized pot with 2 quarts of water and add the chopped onion and pepper to the water.
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2
Sprinkle 2 tbsp. of cayenne pepper over the water. Place the pot on the stove and turn on the burner.
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3
Boil the contents of the pot for 20 minutes. Remove the pot from the burner.
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4
Place a sieve over a second pot and pour the boiled concoction over the sieve. The sieve will contain the onion and pepper, while allowing the liquid material to flow into the pot below.
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5
Allow the liquid mixture to cool and then pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the tomato plants and the soil around them. The next time the squirrels try to get a taste, they will get a dose of pepper and know to stay away.
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Tips & Warnings
Reapply the pepper spray every few days and after each rainfall until the squirrels get the hint.
Wash your hands immediately after preparing the pepper spray and after applying it to the tomato plants. Pepper spray residue on your hands can get into your eyes and cause a burning sensation. If you do happen to get the pepper spray in your eyes, rinse them with cool water for 15 minutes. If the burning doesn't go away, see your doctor.
References
- Photo Credit Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
