FAQ > General Information > How Can I Keep Larger Animals Out of my Garden?
Warm blooded, furry critters are mighty hungry, and can destroy a garden faster than you can say, “what’s up, doc?” Here are the best ways to keep them out of your garden :
Barrier – A fence isn’t a cheap solution, but a good investment if you have a problem with large animals. Wire mesh, chicken wire, or welded wire fencing, buried a few inches in the ground will keep out dogs and rabbits. Line raised garden beds with ½ inch wire mesh to foil tunneling animals like moles and gophers. To effectively keep out deer, fencing needs to be at least eight feet high, and the top 18 inches should be left unattached to posts. The wobble this creates unnerves climbing varmints like raccoons, opossums, woodchucks, and porcupines.
Dried Blood Meal – Scatter it around the garden to deter deer, ground squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and woodchucks.
Hot Pepper, Vinegar & Garlic Spray – puree these ingredients, along with water, in a blender, add an organic wetting agent, and spray on all sides of your plants. Pests both large and small will not take another bite.
Companion Planting –Strongly scented plants like wormwood, yarrow, oregano, rosemary, lavender, and mint, discourage deer and other animals that rely on their sense of smell for protection .
Last updated on November 23, 2011 by Matthew Kokenes