I'm looking for some budget-friendly ways to keep pests out of my garden. We've got a fence around it, but it's not enough to keep out deer, squirrels, groundhogs, and other critters that munch on our plants before we can harvest. It's really frustrating to put in so much effort and money only to see our hard work go to waste!
3 Answers
You could always go the trapping route to remove the offenders! And if you’re feeling adventurous, maybe try some venison steaks if you catch some deer, haha! Just a joke, but seriously, being proactive with traps can sometimes help manage those pesky critters!
Definitely agree about making your garden less appealing for pests! For groundhogs, you might need to reinforce the fence. Also, consider putting in some stakes around your garden area; it might stop deer from jumping in. If you've got a trail camera, setting it up can help you see what's really getting in there!
It sounds like your fence might need some upgrades! For groundhogs, you can dig the fence deeper, and for deer, making it taller is a must. Adding fine mesh and installing a PVC piece at the top can help keep squirrels away. I live in a rural area, and I've found that having a mix of other food sources available around the garden helps too. Planting some sacrificial crops far from your main garden, along with keeping water sources nearby, can really divert those pests away from your veggies!
I've heard that a 4ft fence isn't enough for deer—they'll jump right over! I’m definitely going to try the PVC idea and will avoid using pest repellent powder since it hasn’t worked much for me.