Ask:
First, sorry if this has already been discussed. I admit I did not do a search.
Where I live, we are on a conservation lot. So we have woods and "swamp" behind us and to one side of us. I would love to plant a vegetable garden. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, etc...
But I am extrememly worried about the animals eating everything. Big animals like deer, opposums, raccoons, etc... And of course there are the birds, squirrels, moles, and whatever else that might be in the ground or in the woods.
Any suggestions?? Or just not plant anything. I really don't want to put up a "fence" and not sure if we could do that anyway.
TIA
Answer:
What about just a small fence--maybe chicken wire, it may work to keep out rabbits and such smaller animals. The only thing I have heard to deter deer is using human hair, just save your clippings when you get a haircut and put them in pieces of nylons and tie them to stakes in your garden, the human smell will keep deer out. We have a lot of deer in our area and my uncle does this to keep deer out of his corn patch. HTH.
Answer:
A fence is certainly one way to go - it's the one most use, and as Jessica mentioned will keep out smaller animals.
Netting is another way to go. Place netting over your plants until the are large enough and established enough to withstand an occasional animal nibble. The downfall with this is that birds may get caught in the netting - so not a way I would choose to go - but to each their own.
Other plants themselves can be deterants for animals. IE: Squirrels don't like Lavender & Sage, Deer don't like Iris, Marigolds & Lavender among many others. Ask your local gardening store or check here
Spray the perimeter of your garden (or yard) with White Vinegar. Animals supposedly hate the smell of vinegar and will shy away from the line.
Also try to stay away from things like Bone Meal & Blood meal. The scent of it will attact many animals to your garden.
I would also suggest contacting your local University Extension Service. This service is set up to help answer questions such as this. The Ext. Serv. in your state may be very accustomed to this scenario and will be able to offer help.
Answer:
Thank you!! Very much. I am inspired. And maybe even motivatied
I am going to talk this over with dh, and I will let you know what we decide!! Not that I need his permission, but we have been worried about animals, so I wouldn't want to go digging up his lawn, without talking to him.
Answer:
I hope everything works out
Answer:
We have put up irish spring soap around our garden and the perimeter of our yard each spring/summer and it repels the deer completely.
Planting peppermint and spearmint will repel almost all rodents. I planted it for the first time last year and our woodchuck friend, skunk, rabbit and squirrels stayed out of the garden. They hate mint for some reason.
This plus the other great tips the ladies gave shold keep most ofthem away. We also use flash tape to keep the birds away once everything starts to ripen.
Good luck!