Top Tips to Keep Plants Safe from Garden Pests

Take a Whiff

Deer, rabbits, squirrels, and most animals dislike strongly aromatic plants like rosemary, lavender, dill, and oregano, so consider planting these critter-deterrent plants close to more tempting plants in vegetable and perennial beds. These fragrant plants have the added benefit of attracting beneficial insects with their flowers. Similarly, plants with sharp spines, fuzzy leaves, or milky sap are also avoided by hungry visitors as they’re highly irritating to munching mouths.

Get Covered

Pour One Out

For smaller critters like snails and slugs, try putting wide strips of copper tape around vulnerable plants. The slimy invaders are also especially drawn to beer traps simply made by digging a small hole in the dirt for a shallow, waterproof dish to rest in and filling it ¾-full with beer. Check the trap in the morning for any intoxicated visitors.

Raise a Stink

Spray vulnerable plants with bottled repellents made with stinky egg solids like Liquid Fence. This method works well until it rains, when re-applications are needed. Always read the instructions first and test samples before spraying large numbers of plants. The same odor principle applies to moles that are repelled by the smell of castor oil. Simply find a mound, make an opening, pour in a cup of a homemade mixture (blend 1 cup warm water, 4 tbsp. dishwashing liquid, and 3 ounces castor oil), and then stomp on the hole.

Build a De-Fence

Of course, the best way to keep larger pests like deer and rabbits from enjoying your garden like a free buffet is to fence them off. Be warned, though, that economical deer fencing can be unsightly, while custom-built (translation: better-looking) fences can be expensive. Either way, a physical barrier works the best. Just remember that when you fence off your yard, you might be inadvertently sending the creatures along to visit your neighbors. Tip: A deer fence needs to be at least 8 feet high.  

Spice Things Up

When it comes to squirrels, a practical plan is to outsmart them. First, remove what attracts them, like fallen fruit and birdseed, and then repel them with homemade recipes featuring hot peppers, peppermint oil, and vinegar. Tip: Avoid spraying plants you intend to eat. To protect individual plants from sneaky squirrels, wrap fruits and veggies with small pieces of bird netting and secure with clothespins.

Be Open to Trial and Error