Every gardener knows the frustration of planting bulbs in the fall, only to find them dug up by squirrels before spring has a chance to bloom. These furry little thieves seem to have an uncanny ability to sniff out and unearth our hard work, leaving us with nothing but holes in the ground and dreams of flowers that never come to fruition. My grandpa, an avid gardener himself, had a simple yet effective trick to keep squirrels at bay, and I’m excited to share it with you.
The Problem with Squirrels and Fall Bulbs
Squirrels are naturally curious and resourceful creatures. They are constantly on the hunt for food, especially in the fall, when they are preparing for the colder months. Bulbs like tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths are particularly tempting because they emit a smell that squirrels find irresistible.
When you plant your bulbs, squirrels are drawn to the freshly dug soil and the scent of the bulbs themselves. They may not even be hungry at the time, but their instinct to hoard food for the winter drives them to dig up the bulbs and either eat them or re-bury them elsewhere, thinking they’re storing them for later. This results in your garden looking like a chaotic mess, with bulbs that were meant to blossom left uprooted or buried in the wrong place.
Grandpa’s Trick: The Simple Solution
My grandpa’s trick is straightforward, inexpensive, and doesn’t require any special equipment. He always said that the best solutions are often the simplest, and this is a perfect example.
Materials You’ll Need
Chicken wire or hardware cloth
Scissors or wire cutters
Landscape staples or U-shaped garden stakes
Mulch (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
Plant Your Bulbs as Usual: Begin by planting your fall bulbs according to the depth and spacing recommended for each type. Cover them with soil, making sure they are securely in place.
Cut the Chicken Wire to Size: Measure the area where you’ve planted your bulbs and cut a piece of chicken wire or hardware cloth to fit. The mesh size of the wire should be small enough to prevent squirrels from getting through but large enough to allow the bulbs to grow through when they start sprouting in the spring.
Lay the Wire Over the Soil: Once you’ve cut the wire to the appropriate size, lay it flat over the area where your bulbs are planted. Ensure that it covers the entire area without any gaps that squirrels could use to access the soil underneath.
Secure the Wire: Use landscape staples or U-shaped garden stakes to pin the wire down tightly against the soil. Make sure the wire is snug to the ground so that there’s no room for squirrels to dig under it.
Add Mulch (Optional): For aesthetic purposes and to provide a bit of extra insulation for the bulbs, you can cover the wire with a thin layer of mulch. This will help the wire blend into the garden, making it less visible while still offering protection.
Watch the Magic Happen: That’s it! Your bulbs are now protected from squirrel intruders. In the spring, the flowers will grow right through the mesh, and you can remove the wire or leave it in place if it’s unobtrusive.
Why This Trick Works
Squirrels are persistent but not invincible. When they encounter the chicken wire barrier, they typically lose interest because digging becomes too difficult. The wire prevents them from accessing the bulbs directly, and most squirrels will move on to easier targets.
Additionally, chicken wire is inexpensive, easy to use, and doesn’t harm the environment. It’s a safe and humane way to protect your bulbs without resorting to chemical deterrents or traps, which can be harmful to wildlife and pets.
Additional Tips for Protecting Your Garden
While the chicken wire trick is highly effective, here are a few more tips to further squirrel-proof your garden:
Plant Bulbs They Don’t Like: Some bulbs, like daffodils, alliums, and fritillaries, are less appealing to squirrels. Planting these alongside your more vulnerable bulbs can help deter them.
Use Natural Repellents: Sprinkling a bit of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a mixture of garlic powder and water around the planting area can help repel squirrels due to the strong smell.
Clean Up: Squirrels are attracted to the scent of freshly turned soil. Raking over the area after planting and lightly watering can help to mask this smell and reduce attraction.
Consider Netting or Fencing: If you have a particularly persistent squirrel population, adding netting or low fencing around your garden beds can provide an extra layer of protection.
Feed the Squirrels Elsewhere: Some gardeners find that if they provide an alternate food source for the squirrels, such as a squirrel feeder filled with corn or nuts, the animals will be less interested in digging up bulbs.
Preventing squirrels from digging up your fall bulbs doesn’t have to be a losing battle. With my grandpa’s simple trick and a bit of proactive planning, you can protect your garden and enjoy a beautiful display of flowers come springtime. Remember, gardening is about working with nature, not against it, and sometimes the best solutions are the ones that require the least effort. Happy planting!
