6 Ways to Critter-Proof Your Garden

Many people find joy in planting and tending to a garden. It can liven up your home and give you a meaningful hobby. One thing you may not account for, though, is the animals that could come tearing through your plants. Nature always takes its course, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put up some protection for your own garden.

Here are just a few ways to protect your garden from unwanted pests.

1 – Deer Fencing

Depending on the size of your garden, deer fencing is a worthwhile investment. From a distance, the thin fencing is nearly invisible to the eye. It’s also one of the least harmful types of fencing to animals like deer and rabbits. The spaces in the fence are too small for them to squeeze into and get stuck, and it prevents these creatures from coming in and trampling or eating your beloved plants. Check out the best options at deerfencing.com.

2 – Change Up Your Plants

We all have preferences for what we want to grow, but many common plants are appetizing to animals. There are many types of plants that are quite unappetizing for animals like deer and rabbits, but still beautiful to look at.

Do some research and ask local nurseries about what types of plants discourage animal grazing.

3 – Scare Tactics

Don’t go overboard, but things like metallic streamers, wind chimes, bird tape, or even a simple scarecrow could do wonders for keeping birds away.

These items can be effective, but only if you move them around frequently. Otherwise, birds and other animals could just grow accustomed to seeing your scare tactics, and they will no longer be frightened.

Also, consider are motion-activated systems like sprinklers or lights.

4 – Animal-Safe Repellants

Some companies make odor or taste repellants to discourage animals from entering garden areas. These repellants are not designed to hurt the animals. Instead, they have an unpleasant scent or taste that usually prevents them from coming back.

If an animal is particularly stubborn, it could adapt to the taste or smell and return. Still, it usually works on most animals and doesn’t harm your plants or them.

5 – Use Elevated Boxes

If you want to undertake a DIY project, consider repotting your plants in elevated wooden boxes. It will keep your garden condensed and organized. It will also prevent smaller animals from being able to reach your flowers. It may not be as effective against larger creatures like deer, but if used in conjunction with deer fencing, it could be quite successful.

6 – Keep Compost Contained

Compost is a great way to encourage growth in your garden, but it’s also guaranteed to attract animals of all shapes and sizes. Plants are not the only thing of interest to critters. There are lots of ways to keep your compost contained.

You can find containers online built to hold compost, or you can construct one as a DIY project if you prefer. Either way, keeping compost confined to a specific area will discourage animals from coming to visit.

Conclusion

A garden is a beautiful space for new life to grow, so it’s only natural that animals and creatures of all shapes and sizes will come by for a visit. You cannot keep all deer away from your flowers, but you can make your garden harder to reach. Whether you use fencing, boxes, or simply hope to scare them away, keeping animals out isn’t that challenging; it just takes time to establish boundaries that work.

Do yourself a favor and use a few of these tactics to keep your garden safe and healthy without hurting the animals. After all, they’re only curious.