9 Ways to Keep Squirrels Out Of Potted Plants

Squirrels are at it again, these yard and garden raiders will do whatever it takes for that next meal, squirrels are destructive little critters. Their concern is not about how beautiful your flower bed is growing or how you’re about to harvest a good crop from your edible garden they have one thing in mind, not the hard work and effort that has caused your garden to thrive. They see a buffet set before them that they can not pass up. Squirrels will consume vegetables, fruits, nuts, bulbs, buds, flowers, and whatever else delights their taste buds.

These rodents will also go as far as consuming potter plant seedlings and digging in the soil for seeds. Their destructive behavior for their next meal can reduce a garden and cause other major issues. If you’re having a continuous battle to keep squirrels out of your potted plants, then here is what to do to bring complete control.

1. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a spice that will give that sizzle to food recipes but this spies also has its use in the garden, sprinkling cayenne pepper around your plants will create a burning sensation when squirrel paws come in contact with it besides the smell that will send squirrels running.

2. Companion Planting

Interplanting species of plants with your garden plants will deter squirrels because of the scent of these plants, arranging these plants around your prized plants to act as a barrier will keep squirrels at bay some of these plants that squirrels find to be repulsive are marigolds, nasturtiums, daffodil, crane’s-bill, fritillaries, mint, and marigold. If you are growing veggies from a container or pot then arrange these plants in other containers around them to act as a barrier.

3. Coffee Grounds

The aroma and the taste of coffee are pleasing, especially during the morning hours, but squirrels don’t share the same feelings, they hate the smell and will stay clear. Coffee grounds can be used as a natural repellent to deter squirrels. Sprinkling coffee grounds around the surface of your garden soil including the soil of potted plants and gently raking into the first few top inches of soil will give squirrels an unpleasant surprise. Another benefit of coffee grounds is the nutrient content providing potassium and nitrogen to promote healthy plants. The application of coffee grounds will also keep out other garden pests.

4. Animals on Patrol

Having your dog patrol and protect your garden plants is a great way to control the presence of squirrels, a dog’s bark will scare squirrels away however ensure that potted plants are not toxic to dogs because there are many plant species if dogs consume can cause injury in some cases death.

5. Using Rocks as Mulch

Apply a 2-ich layer of river rocks over the service of your potted soil, this will discourage squirrels from digging in the soil to get to your plant seeds, this method is a great barrier to squirrels.

6. Ultrasonic Sensors

These devices work by delivering high-frequency sounds to deter squirrels, check your garden center or hardware stores for these products.

7. Apply Squirrel Repellents

Many brands of squirrel repellents can be purchased from your garden center or plant nursery, before applying these repellents read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for the best results or you can make your very own squirrel repellent for example mix cinnamon oil or ground cinnamon with peppermint oil or cayenne extract and warm water. Spray areas to ward squirrels away, reapplication is needed in the event of rainfall that can wash away or weaken the solution. Apply mixture once a week or as needed to bring complete control.

8. Use Chicken Wire

If You’re planning on planting bulbs in a pot place a piece of mesh or chicken over the pot to restrict squirrels from accessing bulbs. Once bulbs start to emerge from the soil the chicken wire or mesh can be removed.

9. Growing Plants that Squirrels Hate

Why not grow plants that squirrels hate some plants that can be used for example are, marigolds, nasturtiums, daffodils, crane’s-bill, fritillaries, mint and marigold, lily of the valley, galanthus, hyacinth, etc…

Conclusion

Keeping squirrels out of potted plants is that simple, all it takes is knowing what to do and in no time you will have a garden that is free of these rodents. If you are having a consistent battle with keeping squirrels at bay look no further you have come to the right place. This guide is your blueprint that will ensure that you have a squirrel-free zone, join the many garden enthusiasts who are having much success and whose squirrel issues have come to an end by putting one or more of these natural methods in place.