Tips to Keep Animals Out of Your Garden
Your plants are under attack. Regardless of the type of garden, animals can have a devastating effect. Gophers and rabbits eat vegetables, while as deer consume flowers, vegetables and bushes. Take the steps necessary to keep the animals out of your garden. Does this Spark an idea?
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Fences
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Enclose your garden in a wire mesh fence to keep deer, rabbits and squirrels out. You need two layers of fencing. The first should be an 8-foot fence to prevent deer from jumping in. Attach an 18- to 24-inch fine wire mesh fence around the base of the 8-foot fence. This keeps rabbits and other small mammals from wriggling through. Bury a few inches of the fine wire fence in the ground to discourage the animals from digging underneath. Leave a gate for yourself.
Raised Garden
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Groundhogs eat your plants from below. Raising plant beds off the ground protects them from burrowing animals. Build or purchase beds at least 18-inches high. Line the beds with fine-wire mesh cloth before filling them and then plant your seeds. This adds an extra line of defense against gophers and other underground pests.
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Natural Predators
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Hawks and owls scare small animals away. If they nest near your garden, leave them alone. They prevent pests from eating or trampling your plants. If there are no birds of prey around, purchase a statue or inflatable owl. Place it the your garden. Rabbits and groundhogs won't know the difference. Having a dog on your property also discourages animals from coming too close. Large dogs especially keep deer away.
Repellents and Traps
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There are nontoxic scents and chemicals that discourage animals from eating your plants. Soaps, spicy hot sauce and pepper all repel animals. These products won't harm the animals or your plants. Buy commercially prepared sprays at plant nurseries. If you have trouble with repellents, try setting traps around your garden.
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References
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