Natural Ways to Keep Wildlife Out of Your Garden
Jun 19, 2024
Create Your Dream Garden - Without providing an 'All You Can Eat Buffet' to Rabbits, Deer and other Wildlife!
As springtime blooms and our gardens awaken, it's a joy to see nature come alive around us. However, sometimes that nature gets a little too close for comfort, especially when it comes to wildlife munching on our beloved plants.
To help you maintain your garden's beauty while respecting the creatures around us, here are a few natural ways to keep wildlife out of your garden:
1. Plant PungentPlant strong-smelling flowers like lavender and marigolds or herbs (rosemary, sage, oregano, etc.) to act as a natural barrier against unwanted visitors. |
2. Consider TextureWildflowers and plants that have sandpaper-like foliage or are fuzzy or prickly in texture are not appealing to wildlife. Consider zinnias, purple coneflower, lamb's ear, or dusty miller additions to your garden. |
3. MulchingApplying mulch around your plants can deter smaller animals like slugs and snails, as they dislike crawling over rough surfaces. Mulch also helps retain moisture in the soil and suppresses weed growth. |
4. Companion PlantingCertain plants, when grown together, can help deter pests. For example, planting mint alongside your vegetables can repel aphids and cabbage moths, while attracting beneficial insects like bees. |
5. FencingBuilding a fence around your garden is one of the most effective ways to keep larger animals like deer and rabbits out. Opt for sturdy materials like wire mesh or chicken wire, and make sure it's tall enough to deter jumping. |
6. IntimidationInstall motion-activated devices like sprinklers or lights to startle and deter animals from entering your garden. Hanging shiny objectslike old CDs or aluminum foil strips can also help by creating reflective movement that scares away unwanted wildlife. |