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Squirrels digging up veg beds

LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
in Problem solving
How do I stop them!? 😠

I actually don't mind then digging in the other beds, it comes with the territory but they keep digging up my seedlings that I've planted in the veg patch which is very frustrating
I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
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Posts

  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    Are you sure it is squirrels?
    We have to put barriers once we have planted seedlings to stop the pigeons pulling them out.
  • StephenSouthwestStephenSouthwest Posts: 635
    ...or blackbirds...?
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    StephenSouthwest said:
    ...or blackbirds...?
    That’s what I was thinking … they love pulling seedlings out of the soil … hoping that they can find worms and grubs coming out with the roots. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
    edited May 2022
    @bertrand-mabel @StephenSouthwest I'm 99% sure it's squirrels. I see them digging all over the garden and in the pots. The veg beds are left with little holes dug around. I don't think they are after the veg, they are just digging around indiscriminately.  
    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068


    Here are a couple of examples of the holes I find. These are in a different area where I've not planted anything yet.
    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    It won’t be indiscriminate digging … whoever it is, they’re after something … and must be finding if if they’re keeping on doing it …

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
    @Dovefromabove I'm not sure what's worse 😳

    Anything I could/should do? I was thinking of netting over the bed to discourage them?
    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    If it’s squirrels I doubt whether netting would deter them. 

    Can you fork that soil over and see what they might be after there?


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
    Sure, I can do @Dovefromabove . I'm assuming I'm looking for acorns? 
    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It could certainly be something they've buried in autumn. They just dig up all my small bulbs here. B***dy rats with bushy tails.  >:)

    I think you'd have to net your plants, although that could be right faff too. A proper construction with chicken wire would be better, but again - it's a lot of effort and expense to go to, although a purpose built frame would be easier to lift off for getting into your crops. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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