Year after year I would plant bulbs in my garden in the Fall only to have critters like chipmunks, squirrels, voles and groundhogs decide to make them their lunch buffet.
So the last two years I tried some new tactics…and they actually work for me! I am here to spread the knowledge if you are dealing with the same problem.
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Plant Unappealing Fall Bulbs
The first line of defense is to plant unappealing bulbs in the first place. Here are some of my favorites:
- Daffodil
- Allium
- Hyacinth
- Grape Hyacinth
- Camassia Lilly
- Giant Snowdrops
- Snowdrops
- Fritillaria
- Pink Giant Glory of the Snow
- Scilla
- Dutch Iris
If you are going to plant bulbs that are appetizing to rodents and deer like Tulips, Crocus and Lillies when planting them tuck them near or with the unappetizing bulbs to try to deter them away.
Use A Repellent
I have been using Repel All spray for a few years to deter the rabbits and deer from eating my plants, but 2 years ago I also started using it in granule form with my bulbs.
I dig the hole add Repel all granules add the bulbs and then pack the soil down and add more granules to the top then cover with mulch. This should hide the sent of the bulbs as well as deter the rodents when digging.
Deter Using Devices
Root Guard Basket – Plant these baskets in your garden, add more soil and then add bulbs. Make sure the bulbs are not touching the basket. Using this method you still need to protect the top with hardware mesh and then remove the top in the Spring.
Hardware Mesh – Use the just like the baskets but create your own “basket” for the bulbs and then adding a piece on top as well.
Gravel, Sharp Rocks – Fill your hold with gravel or sharp rocks to deter little critter paws from digging.
Clean Up The Mess
After planting the little papery debris that falls off the bulbs can attract critters. Clean them up and dispose of them.
Use A Variety of Ways
When planting bulbs it’s never a guarantee to critters won’t go to town but implanting multiple ways to deter them can up the chances it will work.
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