I'm currently growing a variety of veggies and herbs in my raised beds, including corn, lettuce, rosemary, strawberries, and garlic. Unfortunately, I just discovered some cat poop on the soil—one was older and one was fresh! This has left me worried that my hard work has been in vain, as I'm not sure if it's safe to eat my produce now. Besides, if the cat is using my garden as a litter box, it might keep coming back! I'd love any advice on how to handle this situation. Also, I'm thinking of next year's crop; maybe I should look into growing plants that won't grow too tall so I can cover them with chicken wire?
5 Answers
If you’re really worried about safety, it might be best to ditch the lettuce and strawberries for now. They’re harder to clean effectively. Using netting or wire covers next year can help keep cats away, although it can be tricky to find what works best. Just remember, you’re not the only one dealing with this!
Don’t worry too much about the occasional cat poop; just make sure to wash your veggies well before eating. You might also want to scatter some tin foil balls or prickly cuttings nearby to help keep the cats away. These methods seem to do the trick!
A motion-activated sprinkler could be a game changer! It worked wonders in my garden and I’ve heard of folks putting upside-down flower pots around their plants to deter cats as well.
Cats can be pesky, but don’t lose hope! Just give your veggies a thorough wash after harvesting, and they should be safe to eat. To deter the cats, consider placing some prickly cuttings or even canes between your plants; cats dislike uncomfortable surfaces and may steer clear of your garden. That's what I've done, and it seems to work well!
Just so you know, commercial produce often comes into contact with animal waste, so you’re not alone in this. As for your growing plans, stick with taller plants that are harder for cats to access. Using sticks or even BBQ skewers can make the area less inviting for them to squat!
The cane trick worked for me too!