Hey everyone! I've been gardening since I was a kid, but ever since my husband and I moved to our new home, it's been a disaster. Each year, critters have completely destroyed my garden! I'm located in the northeast US where rabbits and groundhogs seem to be my biggest foes. I've already put up a 5 ft wire fence, but that's not enough. I've tried using mothballs and a repellent, but nothing seems to work — something even chewed through the container of the repellent! My peas, beans, cucumbers, and melons are gone, and the only thing that survives are my tomatoes. This year, I'm planning to try marigolds and coyote urine granules, but I need more suggestions! I feel like Ahab on a mission trying to protect my garden from these furry troublemakers.
2 Answers
I’ve had great success using cayenne pepper powder around my garden. It keeps most diggers away, while birds are unaffected and still munch on bugs. I typically reapply it after rain to maintain its effectiveness. Just sprinkle it around the perimeter and it makes a huge difference, especially against groundhogs and squirrels!
Hey! It sounds like you're dealing with some crafty critters. Are they getting over, under, or through your fence? You might want to dig a bit deeper and bury some fencing with the bottom angled outward to prevent them from digging under. If they can climb, consider adding an electric wire around the top to deter raccoons and squirrels. And if deer are around, keep in mind that 5 ft is usually too low; many swear by 8 ft! Using row covers can help protect from birds too.
I think they're probably digging under — the mesh seems tight, around 2 inches. I had no idea deer could jump so high! I haven't seen deer tracks, so I think it's mainly the rabbits. I’ll look into row covers and burying some fencing soon. Thanks!
I love that idea! I’ll check out the bulk store for some. Do you sprinkle it on the plants or just on the soil?