Squirrels can be a real headache if you’re trying to keep your garden looking its best. One minute, your plants are thriving, and the next, you notice holes dug around them, leaves nibbled, or bulbs mysteriously missing. It’s frustrating, but you’re not alone. Squirrels are clever, persistent, and always hungry.

They won’t hesitate to dig through your pots or munch on your prized blooms. But don’t worry. There are plenty of ways you can protect your plants without harming the squirrels.

Why Do Squirrels Go After Your Plants?

Before you start defending your garden, it helps to understand why squirrels are targeting your plants. Squirrels are naturally curious and always on the lookout for food. They don’t just eat nuts and seeds. They’re also interested in:

• Fresh leaves and flowers, especially those with a sweet scent.
• Fruit, both ripe and unripe, from your trees or bushes.
• Bulbs, which they dig up thinking they’re buried treasure.
• Newly planted seeds, which they treat like a snack.

But it’s not just about food. Sometimes, squirrels dig in your pots or flower beds just for the fun of it. They may be looking for a place to bury their own nuts, or they’re curious about the fresh soil you’ve just added.

How Do You Know Squirrels Are the Problem?

You might not always catch them in the act. But there are a few signs that tell you squirrels are causing the trouble:

• Small, shallow holes in your garden or potted plants.
• Bite marks on leaves, flowers, or fruits.
• Dug-up bulbs or seeds scattered around.
• Chewed plant stems or uprooted seedlings.

If you see these signs, you’re likely dealing with squirrels. So, let’s look at how you can keep them away without too much fuss.

What Are the Best Ways to Keep Squirrels Away from Your Plants?

You’ve got a few options when it comes to protecting your garden. Some methods work better than others, depending on the plants you’re trying to protect and how determined the local squirrels are. Here are the most effective ways you can try:

Use Physical Barriers

Sometimes, the simplest way is the best way. If squirrels can’t get to your plants, they can’t damage them. Here’s how you can set up barriers:

• Cover your plants with netting or wire mesh. Make sure the holes are small enough to keep squirrels out but still allow sunlight and water through.
• Protect bulbs with wire mesh cages. Before planting your bulbs, place them in small wire cages or create a mesh layer just below the soil surface.
• Use cloches for young plants. These clear, dome-shaped covers give your seedlings a head start without becoming squirrel snacks.

Choose Squirrel-Resistant Plants

If you’re tired of fighting with squirrels, consider planting species they tend to avoid. They’re less likely to bother with plants that don’t appeal to them. Some of these include:

• Daffodils (which are toxic to them)
• Alliums (garlic, onions, chives)
• Fritillaries
• Marigolds

You can also mix these with your other plants to create a natural deterrents

Use Natural Deterrents

Squirrels are sensitive to certain smells and tastes. You can use this to your advantage without using harsh chemicals:

• Cayenne pepper or chilli flakes: Sprinkle these around your plants. Squirrels dislike the spicy scent and taste.
• Garlic or onion spray: Make a homemade spray using crushed garlic or onion mixed with water. Spray it around your plants.
• Coffee grounds: Spread used coffee grounds around your garden. The strong smell can put them off.
• Mint plants: Squirrels avoid the strong scent of mint. Plant it around the edges of your garden.

Secure Your Bird Feeders

Bird feeders can attract squirrels to your garden. They’ll come for the seeds but stay to explore your plants. Here’s how you can keep them away:

• Use squirrel-proof bird feeders. These have a design that prevents squirrels from accessing the seeds.
• Place feeders away from your plants. Keep them far enough that squirrels can’t just hop over.
• Clean up fallen seeds. Squirrels will forage on the ground if they can’t reach the feeder.

Distract Them with a Squirrel Feeder

Sometimes, the easiest way to keep squirrels away is to give them something else to focus on. A squirrel feeder filled with nuts can keep them busy. Place it far from your plants so they’re more interested in the feeder than your garden.

Keep Your Garden Tidy

Squirrels love to explore, but they’re less likely to stick around if there aren’t easy hiding spots. Keep your garden tidy by:

• Removing fallen fruit from trees.
• Clearing away leaf piles.
• Trimming back thick bushes where they might nest.

Should You Use Repellent Sprays or Ultrasonic Devices?

You might be tempted to buy squirrel repellent sprays or ultrasonic devices. These can work, but they’re not always reliable. Squirrels can get used to smells over time, and ultrasonic devices don’t always have the range they claim. If you do try these, use them alongside other methods for the best results.

Can You Stop Squirrels from Digging in Pots?

If you love container gardening, you’ve probably had the frustrating experience of finding your plants dug up. Squirrels love digging in pots because the soil is soft and easy to move. To stop this, try:

• Laying down a layer of gravel or pebbles. This makes it harder for them to dig.
• Covering the soil with chicken wire. Just cut it to fit around your plants.
• Using natural deterrents like cayenne pepper or coffee grounds.

Are There Humane Ways to Remove Squirrels?

Yes, and it’s always best to use humane methods. Squirrels are just trying to survive, and there’s no need to harm them. Avoid traps or poisons. Instead, focus on making your garden less attractive to them.

What Should You Avoid When Trying to Deter Squirrels?

It’s important to keep your garden safe for other wildlife and pets. Avoid:

• Harsh chemicals that can harm other animals.
• Traps or poisons, which are cruel and can affect other species.
• Methods that scare or stress squirrels without actually keeping them away.

How Do You Make Squirrel Protection Part of Your Gardening Routine?

To keep squirrels away for good, you’ll need to stay consistent. That means:

• Regularly refreshing your deterrents (like reapplying chilli flakes or spraying garlic).
• Keeping bird feeders clean and away from your plants.
• Staying on top of garden maintenance to remove hiding spots.

What If Squirrels Are Still a Problem?

If you’ve tried everything and squirrels are still ruining your plants, it might be time to rethink your approach. Look at which plants they target the most. Consider switching to more squirrel-resistant options. Or, you could try placing a few sacrificial plants away from the main garden to keep them distracted.

Final Thoughts

Squirrels can be a challenge, but with the right strategies, you can keep your plants safe without harming these clever little creatures. Whether you prefer using barriers, natural deterrents, or a mix of both, it’s all about making your garden less appealing to them. Stick with it, and you’ll soon see fewer holes and healthier plants.