A Cheap And Effective Garden Staple That'll Protect Your Plants From Squirrels

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Playful and a little mischievous, squirrels can be interesting to watch, and many people have grown to accept these local rodents as regular residents on their lawns. However, despite their cute appearances, squirrels can cause a few problems in your yard. In fact, did you know that squirrels can cause lawn damage through digging holes? While much of this behavior stems around storing food for later, once they reach your garden, they can wreck havoc on your harvesting plans by digging up and eating bulbs. They may even go after the ripe fruit and vegetables in your garden, with bite marks being one of the best ways to identify squirrel damage in your garden.

Thankfully, there's a humane solution that can keep both your precious plants and your squirrel neighbors safe. Chicken wire is a staple on many farms and homesteads, but it can also be invaluable for the average gardener working against nature's appetite. By using chicken wire like the YardGard 2-inch mesh in your garden, you can protect the delicate roots and bulbs of your plants without the use of traps or harmful methods.

This DIY squirrel deterrent for your garden is easy, with no power tools or special equipment needed. As a result, it's perfect for the beginner DIYer whose garden needs an extra barrier of defense from wildlife. The first step is to plant your bulbs as directed by their packaging. Then, cover the surface of your garden where the bulbs are located with chicken wire. Your wire will likely need a hand to remain in place, so you may want to use stakes to keep it pinned down. Alternatively, you can opt for heavy rocks on the corner, which helps this hack blend in seamlessly with your existing garden appearance.

Once you've secured your chicken wire in place over your bulbs, you're all finished with the basics of this DIY. However, chicken wire can stand out at a glance, and it may not be the aesthetic you want for your garden. If this is the case for you, simply cover the wire with any leftover mulch or soil you have on hand — just make sure to choose a medium that's appropriate for the plants in your garden.

This chicken wire hack is only one step in achieving a squirrel-free garden. While this can be a great way to keep curious squirrels away from plant bulbs, it won't protect ripe fruit. Instead, you may need to use chicken wire alongside other means of plant protection, such as opting for wildlife netting that is safe for birds and other animals while keeping your fruits and vegetables off the menu.