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Planting Bulbs and Squirrels

Trainee Tea LadyTrainee Tea Lady Posts: 2
in Problem solving

Please can someone advise me how can I stop the squirrels from digging up my bulbs and eating them?  I've tried grating soap over the areas where the bulbs where planted, however the squirrels kept away for a few days but now they've had a feast!

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Posts

  • figratfigrat Posts: 1,619
    Maybe some chicken wire or similar would deter them. You could lay it over the planted area, and cover with soil, the bulbs should find their way through.
  • Trainee Tea LadyTrainee Tea Lady Posts: 2

    Excellent idea, I'll give it a go - thank you image

  • Gary HobsonGary Hobson Posts: 1,892

    There is a technique, recommened by the RSPB, for detering squirrels from eating peanuts. The nuts can be dusted in chilli powder. It's harmless to birds, but squirrels hate it. You could dust the bulbs with the same, or sprinkle some on the surface. I don't know whether it would be rain resistant.

  • Alina WAlina W Posts: 1,445

    Unfortunately, it's not. I have found chicken wire to work, though - just be careful you don't scratch yourself with the cut ends.

  • jo4eyesjo4eyes North East Derbyshire Posts: 2,058

    I use pea netting & gently remove it off emerging shoots next Spring. Tulips however I only grow in large pots, plus netting/wire mesh covers, as otherwise they do not stand a chance in my garden. J.

  • sotongeoffsotongeoff Posts: 9,802

    Why would anybody plant a squirrel?image

  • figratfigrat Posts: 1,619
    Propagation would be challenging.
  • gardengirl6gardengirl6 Posts: 223

    I use cutttings of holly stuck in between the bulbs to deter the squirrels.    It looks better than chicken wire on pots, and the holly stays green for weeks.

  • FloBearFloBear Posts: 2,281

    It was going to be mine too :- D

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