Pesky Squirrels

Learningslowly · April 2021

I've lived in my house for over 25 years and, until last year, in reasonable harmony with the local squirrel population. Last autumn however, they took a liking to garden twine and now attack it with vigour caring not a jot or tittle for the plants it might be holding up.
Why do they do it and is there a way to stop em or do I have to use alternative (and more expensive) tie methods?

Chapter 2 will be: is there an alternate organic fertilizer to FBB to stop the foxes digging up the veg plot...

This wildlife gardening is certainly a challenge!

BobTheGardener · April 2021

That sounds like a local 'learned behaviour' and I doubt there's much you can do other than trying wire or metal plant supports. I use well-rotted manure on the veg plots and boost with chicken manure pellets for the few things that need any extra feeding.

amancalledgeorge · April 2021

Yes if you have foxes FBB is a no go. You can always revert to Grow More or Q4 the latter is part animal based part artificial. Unfortunately anything that is based on animal sources will have that tempting smell for scavengers.

Skylarks · April 2021

You could try soaking the twine in garlic water or diluted peppermint oil. Apparently, they don’t like the smell.

Learningslowly · April 2021

Thanks for your suggestions.
I think that in the short term, I'll have to experiment. I'll replace the strings on my Sweet Pea maypole with canes and use a different type of tie. And chicken pellets to boost the veg plot where needed.

Pesky Squirrels

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