One effective way to keep squirrels out of your garden is by installing row covers. These covers are made of lightweight fabric and can be placed over your plants to create a physical barrier between the squirrels and your garden. Row covers are designed to allow sunlight and water to penetrate while keeping pests at bay. They can be secured to the ground with stakes or weighed down with rocks to ensure that squirrels cannot get underneath them.
Another option is to use bird netting to protect your plants. Bird netting is made of fine mesh that is designed to keep birds and other small animals out of your garden. By draping bird netting over your plants, you can effectively prevent squirrels from accessing them. Be sure to secure the netting tightly to prevent any gaps or openings that the squirrels can exploit. Bird netting is easy to install and can be used for both small and large gardens.
Chicken wire is another great option for squirrel-proofing your garden. This wire mesh is typically used for fencing and can be installed around the perimeter of your garden to keep squirrels out. Simply create a fence using the chicken wire, making sure that it is tall enough to prevent squirrels from jumping over. Chicken wire can also be used to create individual cages around specific plants or garden beds to provide extra protection.
If you want to protect the plants from squirrels while still allowing for easy watering and sunlight, you can line the bottom of your garden with hardware cloth. Hardware cloth is a type of wire mesh that is stronger and more durable than chicken wire. By placing hardware cloth on the ground, you create a barrier that prevents squirrels from burrowing into your garden from below. This method works well for raised beds or containers where the hardware cloth can be easily secured.
In my personal experience, I have found that a combination of these methods can be highly effective in keeping squirrels out of my garden. I have used row covers and bird netting to protect my plants from squirrels, and I have also installed chicken wire fences around my garden to create a physical barrier. Additionally, lining the bottom of my garden beds with hardware cloth has provided an extra level of protection against burrowing squirrels.
The key to keeping squirrels out of your garden is to create a physical barrier that prevents them from accessing your plants. Whether you choose to use row covers, bird netting, chicken wire, or hardware cloth, be sure to secure them properly and regularly inspect your garden for any signs of squirrel activity. By taking these preventative measures, you can enjoy a squirrel-free garden and protect your plants from potential damage.