As gardeners, we’ve all faced unexpected damage in our vegetable gardens. One day, a patch of baby radishes might look perfect, and the next morning, it’s destroyed, with plants chewed or uprooted. Animals—whether deer, rabbits, birds, or squirrels—often target our gardens despite our best efforts. However, with proactive measures, we can protect our crops from animal damage.
Hiding Crops from Animals
Spring is a time when animals, coming out of a long winter, are particularly eager to feast on tender greens. To prevent this, one of the most effective strategies is to hide crops from view. By using row cover tunnels, you can shield your spring vegetables from hungry animals. These covers block animals like rabbits and deer from seeing and accessing your crops, ensuring that your plants remain safe until they mature.
Protecting Germinating Seeds
Birds, particularly crows, blue jays, and goldfinches, can be a major threat to newly germinated seeds. To protect seeds like corn, beans, peas, and beets, you can use a row cover that lies directly on the soil until the seeds sprout. Alternatively, a temporary bird deterrent such as plastic fencing held up by bricks can keep the birds at bay until the plants are established.
Tulle for Berries
Birds are also notorious for harvesting ripe berries. Traditional bird netting often fails, as smaller birds like hummingbirds get caught, and larger birds can find ways to sneak inside. Instead, using lightweight tulle (often referred to as wedding netting) after pollination is much more effective. It can be easily secured with clothespins and allows air and light to reach the plants while keeping birds away. Some gardeners also opt for chicken wire cages for blueberries, but with abundant plants, sharing a few with the birds can be a manageable compromise.
Wire Cages for Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like spinach and carrots are magnets for rabbits and deer, which will happily munch on them if given the chance. Protecting these crops with wire cages is an essential step. Using poultry netting, you can create cages that prevent animals from accessing the plants. However, be cautious—rabbits can chew through plastic netting, and determined deer may nudge smaller cages aside. Securing these cages with stakes can help ensure the plants remain safe.
Deterring Animals with Scare Tactics
While traditional scarecrows can be fun to make, they aren’t always effective. A more reliable solution is using animal-repelling sprays. These sprays, which often have unpleasant odors such as rotten eggs, can discourage mammals like squirrels, rabbits, and deer. However, such sprays should not be applied to edible crops as they can affect flavor. For ornamental plants, these sprays can be useful in reducing visits from deer and other mammals.
Electric Fencing
For more persistent or larger animals like raccoons, groundhogs, or deer, electric fences offer an effective deterrent. A three-strand electric fence can prevent animals from entering your garden, and while it delivers an unpleasant shock, it’s less harmful than some of the alternatives. Many gardeners, including myself, use electric fences to keep out unwanted wildlife, especially larger animals like bears that may target fruit trees later in the season.
In conclusion, while animal pests can be a challenge for gardeners, a combination of proactive measures—such as row covers, protective cages, and animal-repelling sprays—can go a long way in safeguarding your crops. By staying one step ahead of the critters, you can enjoy a thriving, animal-free garden.