How do you keep critters out of a veggie garden?

Question

A small garden

Answer 1

the natural way is to get a garter snake. the non-natural way is to use poisons. the choice, obviously, is up to you!

Answer 2

I use plastic coated galvanized 20 gauge 1" hex netting. It's under $25 per 25 foot roll. I dig a trench around the garden about 6 inches deep and put the bottom of the fence into the trench and put up the fence, then fill in around the fence. It keeps the burrowing critters out. Good luck with your garden!

Answer 3

anything you use they will get to the point that they are no longer afraid of it anymore. I noticed that putting ribbon around your garden works well for deer. Putting a electric fence up with two strands(one 4" off the ground & the other 4' off the ground) will work well for both deer & small animals. Deer can smell if it is turned on or off, so if he has been it before he will likely go around it.

Answer 4

We live in a rural area where there are many knowledgable farmer-types at the local hardware. I remember making a trip there right after we moved. I asked one of the men there how I could keep the bunnies out of the garden. His answer: "You got a shotgun?".

Actually, I ended up purchasing dried blood to put around the perimeter. Also, a tight ring of marigolds around the perimeter will help, as they don't like the odor.

Answer 5

Fox urine (sold at most sporting good stores) will leave the scent of a preditor and repel most critters. There are also products you can buy and spray around the perimeter of your garden. One such product comes to mind - Deer Off - stinks to high heaven but it does work. Good luck!

Answer 6

You can invest in a chicken wire fence to go around the perimeter of your garden. They also sell animal urine at the garden store that you can spray around your yard to discorage animals from coming close. I've also seen people use pinwheels or something shiny that moves with the wind to keep birds away.

Answer 7

Purchase a plastic owl or hawk and mount it on a fence post. Depends on the critter.

Answer 8

You can mix cayenne pepper with soapy water and spray your plants. The soapy water will not harm your plants and helps the cayenne pepper stick to the leaves. The pepper will irritate the eyes and nose of the pesky critters.

Answer 9

A short fence constructed of chicken or rabbit wire will keep away bunnies, woodchucks, etc. But if your problem is deer, you'll have to go higher....Gardener's Supply sells attractive, inexpensive willow fencing that's tall enough to deter deer.

Answer 10

I've been told that human hair works pretty well.....but never tried it. Go to your local barber and ask for some of the hair clipping. Deer and other animal will be afraid of the smell.

Another idea is something called Plot saver.
http://www.cooperseeds.com/catalog/plot-saver-brand-deer-repellent-p1050.html

or the scarecrow Sprinkler
http://www.old-fashioned-values.com/item.asp?n=SCARECROW&f=1