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Every gardener knows the frustration of planting bulbs in the fall, only to find them dug up by squirrels before spring has a chance to bloom. These furry little thieves seem to have an uncanny ability to sniff out and unearth our hard work, leaving us with nothing but holes in the ground and dreams of flowers that never come to fruition. My grandpa, an avid gardener himself, had a simple yet effective trick to keep squirrels at bay, and I'm excited to share it with you.
The Problem with Squirrels and Fall Bulbs
Squirrels are naturally curious and resourceful creatures. They are constantly on the hunt for food, especially in the fall, when they are preparing for the colder months. Bulbs like tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths are particularly tempting because they emit a smell that squirrels find irresistible.
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When you plant your bulbs, squirrels are drawn to the freshly dug soil and the scent of the bulbs themselves. They may not even be hungry at the time, but their instinct to hoard food for the winter drives them to dig up the bulbs and either eat them or re-bury them elsewhere, thinking they're storing them for later. This results in your garden looking like a chaotic mess, with bulbs that were meant to blossom left uprooted or buried in the wrong place.
Grandpa’s Trick: The Simple Solution
My grandpa’s trick is straightforward, inexpensive, and doesn’t require any special equipment. He always said that the best solutions are often the simplest, and this is a perfect example.
Materials You’ll Need
Chicken wire or hardware cloth
Scissors or wire cutters
Landscape staples or U-shaped garden stakes
Mulch (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
Plant Your Bulbs as Usual: Begin by planting your fall bulbs according to the depth and spacing recommended for each type. Cover them with soil, making sure they are securely in place.
Cut the Chicken Wire to Size: Measure the area where you’ve planted your bulbs and cut a piece of chicken wire or hardware cloth to fit. The mesh size of the wire should be small enough to prevent squirrels from getting through but large enough to allow the bulbs to grow through when they start sprouting in the spring.
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