During the autumn months, there are all sorts of jobs to do around the home, and one area that needs some seasonal attention is the garden. As the summer comes to an end, we have to start thinking of the cooler months ahead, which is why we need to give our gardens some thought and, if you’re planning on planting some pretty blooms ready for spring, then there’s something you need to know.
Even though you may have potted some plants already, you might have noticed they’ve become damaged. This is because squirrels, and other pests, can dig around the plants, and this can lead to hindering them.
Luckily for us, gardening expert Ish, known as gardening.with.ish on TikTok, has told people what to do now to prevent the problem entirely. Having already shared tips on how to banish them from plants before, he knows what he’s talking about.
He explained there are a few things homeowners can do to prevent their plants from being ruined. One way you can stop squirrels digging up your bulbs is by covering your pots and plants with some wire mesh or netting to keep them away.
The holes will allow air and water to access the plants throughout the winter to keep them “nice and happy”, while acting as a protective barrier. Overplanting pots with winter annuals can also act as a barrier too, according to Ish.
However, according to Ish, there are a few other things you can do – including putting some nuts outside. He explained: “If you don’t want to overplant, or you don’t fancy ugly netting, don’t worry – you can also use chilli flakes.
“Now, the cool thing about chilli flakes is you sprinkle them every couple of weeks or so, and as a result the squirrel will go for a little nibble of those first, and they’ll get a bit of a hot surprise. You’ll find they probably won’t come back for a while.
“My final tip for you is consider actually feeding the squirrels, because these guys aren’t actually trying to destroy your garden by eating the bulbs – they just want some food. So, by adding some nuts or seeds to a tray or somewhere in the garden nice and safe for them, they’ll be fed and they won’t be going for your spring bulbs too.
“After all, they’re just looking for a meal over winter. [It’s as] easy as that.”
Ish’s video has been viewed hundreds of times since it was shared, with various people being quick to comment. They thanked the gardening guru for the handy tips.
How to prevent squirrels
Some people claim the nuts method won’t always work, as feeding squirrels will still attract them to the garden. However, chilli flakes can work to deter squirrels because their active ingredient, capsaicin, is a natural irritant that tastes and smells unpleasant to them.
You can sprinkle them in garden beds to protect plants. The spice doesn’t cause harm to squirrels or birds, but can lead to causing discomfort that encourages squirrels to avoid the treated areas.
Gardener’s World states: “One of the most important things you can do if squirrels are an issue is to protect your plants. Seeds and young plants are particularly vulnerable, as squirrels will nip off soft shoots and dig up and eat seeds.
“Get around this by protecting young plants by sowing and growing in a greenhouse, propagator or cloche so the squirrels can’t get to them. Protect spring bulbs growing in pots by covering them with a layer of chicken wire or metal mesh.
“You can remove this after the bulbs start producing shoots. Tulips and crocus are particularly vulnerable.”