Animals in My Garden
Gardens mean animals and there is no way you can get around that fact. Of course, you can always manipulate your garden so that you face fewer types of animals. With an indoor garden, you will almost never have to deal with the threats posed by deer or raccoons. The type of plants you raise also plays a significant part in dealing with animal problems. Does this Spark an idea?
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Birds
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Birds of all types can become an animal problem for your garden mainly because what you are growing is a quick source of food for them. Plants to be wary of choosing include berries and fruits that attract birds because of their sugar content. Scarecrows can provide only limited protection from the danger of birds so you can take alternative measures that include placing netting around a tall frame, covering plants with wire cages, using floating row covers made of plastic that are especially suitable for vegetable gardens.
Deer
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Deer may not present much of a threat to an indoor garden or plants inside a greenhouse, but bear in mind that even a fence as high as 5 feet may not guarantee protection. Protect a garden that holds tempting green vegetables with a fence at least 8 feet high. Another effective method of dealing with deer in the garden is to invest in a loud watchdog.
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Rats
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Rats are more likely to be an animal problem for gardens with debris such as compost heaps or organic mulches. A clean garden that you regularly maintain and keep free of trash, leaves, firewood and boxes is far less likely to suffer rat problems than an unkempt garden. You can use poison to deal with rats, but a better long-term solution is to get a cat or two.
Rabbits
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Rabbits are capable of burrowing beneath fences to get to garden greens, but you can reduce this potential entry point by extending wire mesh a 1/2 foot into the ground beneath the fence. Dogs tend to be little trouble for fast-moving rabbits and even cats may have trouble keeping up. One of the best attacks against rabbit problems in your garden is to remove places where they like to hide before making a sneak run at your plants. Hiding places include woodpiles and high grass and weeds.
Insect Pests
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Insects are a problem for both indoor and outdoor flower gardens. Among the most likely offenders to attack your garden are aphids, caterpillars, slugs and beetles. Rather than putting your plants in danger by using chemical products, try creating an effective insect spray that is more friendly to plants by mixing such household items as dishwashing liquid and vegetable oil with water.
Beneficial Animals
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Not all animal visitors present a danger to your garden. You want to attract some insects because they are a natural means for controlling unwanted pests. Ladybugs will consume aphids in large amounts. Ground beetles will help keep down the population of slugs and vine weevils. Don't chase away bees from your garden since they are an essential component of the pollinating process.
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References
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