Hey everyone! I'm really excited to start my vegetable garden after a long break due to apartment living and school. I've finally got a community garden plot, and my seeds are sprouting! However, I've got a big problem: my cats. While they were safe under the humidity dome during germination, now that they're growing, I need to remove the dome to avoid mold, but my cats will definitely chew them down to nothing if I do. I've got a 7-year-old cat who loves pepper plants and a 9-month-old who eats everything in sight. Since my apartment has limited space and the only sunny windows are in areas I can't block off, I'm in a bit of a bind. I'm considering a few options to keep them safe but would love any extra tips you might have!
5 Answers
What about using some metal mesh waste baskets? You can find them at dollar stores, and they can be a simple way to keep the cats out while allowing sunlight in!
I've faced similar challenges. I usually set the humidity covers against the light frame, or even use aluminum foil around the sides for some protection. Just a reminder to monitor them closely as they sprout, since you'll need to remove any covers after that!
OMG, same problem over here! My cat wrecked four of my seedlings the other day—it was a mess! For daytime, I might try moving my trays onto a higher counter, but at night I've covered them with a clear plastic bag, making sure there are holes for ventilation. It’s not perfect, but it might help!
You can make a protective dome using chicken wire! Just mold it around the shape of your humidity dome as a guide. If you're not into crafting, there are pre-made options available online that work great. Check out some garden supplies on Amazon for quick solutions!
You’re definitely not alone! I have three cats, and I solve it by starting my seeds upstairs on a shelf they can't reach. But once they sprout, I have to move everything to the basement since it’s the safest spot, even if it’s a bit cooler for the plants. If you can find any way to elevate your seedlings, it might be worth considering!
Yeah, I get that. Unfortunately, my space is super limited for shelves. But I’ll keep that in mind as I figure this out!