Forum home› Problem solving

Out witting squirrels?

joannekentsmithjoannekentsmith Midlands Posts: 39
in Problem solving
I have moved into a cottage with a lovely garden which is bordered by green belt land. However the very brazen squirrels seem to be digging up my bulbs as quick as I can plant them! Is there anything I can do to discourage this. I have found one of their buried stashed and tried redistributing but I suspect it might just be a waste of energy? Any advice appreciated. 
Jo 

Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 21,535
    Holly leaves. Not the young soft ones. Sprinkle them on top or poke short holly twigs in soil to stop them blowing away.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • yorkshireroseyorkshirerose North YorkshirePosts: 574
    I have had the same problem with squirrels stealing bulbs. I'm going to plant my tulips deeper this year and cover them with grit in the hope it may detract them.
    I have also, recently, had a squirrel fall out of a tree whilst gathering hazelnuts, and break my coldframe! Luckily it wasn't glass, only perspex, but the fall had pushed the sheet out of the frame. I found a stash of leftover shells inside the coldframe, he must have had a fistful of them when he fell from quite high in the tree.
    A gardener's work is never at an end  - (John Evelyn 1620-1706)
  • joannekentsmithjoannekentsmith Midlands Posts: 39
    B3 said:
    Holly leaves. Not the young soft ones. Sprinkle them on top or poke short holly twigs in soil to stop them blowing away.
    Thank you B3 I have a holly tree in the garden and lots of fallen leaves, will give it a go. Many thanks
  • B3B3 Posts: 21,535
    It works with foxes and cats too
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • FairygirlFairygirl west central ScotlandPosts: 46,450
    They mainly take the smaller bulbs which are easily accessed. If you cover them  with chicken wire, pegged down, that can help. Alternatively, keep smaller ones in pots covred with fine mesh.It allows light through, and also provides support.

    You're right @yorkshirerose - burying them deeper will help, and also helps protect the tulips themselves, or so they say   ;)
    Unfortunately, grit won't deter them though.
    I stopped feeding peanuts altogether, and my bird feeders are caged, allowing small birds in only. That's helped keep the worst of the hordes out of my garden. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....


  • joannekentsmithjoannekentsmith Midlands Posts: 39
    Thank you, the mesh and chicken wire sound like a good  plan too. Between holly and mesh I'll get those planters as secure as Alcatraz.  Thanks everyone for help.  Really appreciated. I think this is my new favourite website 
    Jo 
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 31,696
    an air rifle and a steady hand
    Devon.
  • FairygirlFairygirl west central ScotlandPosts: 46,450
    Hostafan1 said:
    an air rifle and a steady hand
    If, and it's a big if, you have nothing else to do all day  ;)
    Good luck with it @joannekentsmith. They can be a real nuisance. I lose some bulbs every year, but it's balanced out by some of the mature bulbs spreading and multiplying.
    Swings and roundabouts  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....


Sign In or Register to comment.