Spring is a time of growth and colour, as flowers bloom and gardens come alive. But it’s also when squirrels start roaming, looking for food and places to build their nests. If you’ve noticed freshly planted seeds disappearing or holes popping up in your flowerbeds, squirrels may be the culprits. Their digging habits, while part of their survival, can leave your garden damaged and your hard work undone.

To tackle the problem, squirrel prevention in gardens is about using smart, safe techniques to protect your plants. You can try natural deterrents, barriers, and careful planning to keep these little diggers out. These spring gardening tips will help you make your yard a place where plants can thrive, all while keeping the balance with local wildlife. For more persistent issues, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Oakville offers safe and humane solutions to safeguard your garden for good.

From understanding why squirrels dig to learning the best ways to protect your plants, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your garden safe and beautiful this spring. Now, let’s dig deeper (pun intended!) into why squirrels are so drawn to your garden and ways to deal with the issue.

Why Do Squirrels Dig in Gardens?

Have you noticed holes in your flowerbeds or disturbed soil around your plants? That’s likely the work of squirrels. But why do they dig in the first place? Here are the main reasons:

• Burying Food: Squirrels are natural hoarders. They bury nuts and seeds in the soil to save them for later. Your garden’s loose dirt makes a great storage spot for their snacks.
• Searching for Bulbs: Tulips, crocuses, and some other flower bulbs are irresistible treats for squirrels. If you’ve recently planted bulbs, they might get dug up long before they bloom.
• Creating Nesting Spots: When preparing for the season, squirrels look for soft and easy-to-dig dirt to create nests and raise their young. Your freshly tilled garden might feel like the perfect spot.
• Attracted to Garden Smells: Fresh soil, fertilizers, and even compost can attract squirrels. The smells lead them straight to your yard for investigation (and digging).

Understanding why they’re drawn to your garden makes it easier to protect your hard work. Now, what can you do about it?

Effective Ways to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden

Dealing with squirrels in your garden can be a real hassle, but the good news is there are plenty of ways to manage the problem without too much effort. Whether you want to keep them from digging up your plants or just stop them from causing general chaos, a few smart strategies can make all the difference. 

Use Natural Deterrents

A great way to keep squirrels from digging in your garden is to use things they don’t like. Luckily, squirrels have sensitive noses, so certain smells can make your yard much less appealing. Sprinkling ingredients like cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or coffee grounds around your plants creates a natural barrier that squirrels are unlikely to cross. These strong scents irritate their noses, but they’re safe for your plants and the rest of your yard.

Another option is to grow flowers that squirrels avoid. Daffodils, alliums, and hyacinths are known for being unappealing to these animals, so planting them might stop the digging. Plus, these flowers add colour and charm to your space. Similarly, herbs like mint, rosemary, and lavender can do double duty. Not only do they discourage animals from entering, but they also smell amazing and are useful for cooking or crafting.

Protect Plants with Barriers

Sometimes, the best way to keep squirrels out of your garden is by creating a physical barrier. Barriers make it much harder for curious animals to access your plants, and there are several simple options to try. For example, you can cover your soil with chicken wire or mesh. These materials stop squirrels from reaching the dirt while still allowing your plants to grow through.

Newly planted seeds and bulbs need extra protection, especially in the early stages of growth. Covering them with items like row covers or garden netting keeps them safe from digging as they sprout. For even more security, raised garden beds offer an excellent solution. By elevating your plants and adding protective frames, you make it far more challenging for animals to reach your garden spaces.

Keep Your Yard Clean

One of the easiest steps you can take to avoid squirrel problems is to tidy up your yard. Squirrels are often drawn to gardens because of what’s around them. By removing food sources and hiding spots, your garden will be much less appealing to these busy animals.

Start by cleaning up fallen nuts, seeds, or fruit from your trees and bushes. These natural snacks might seem harmless, but they’re a buffet for nearby squirrels. If you have bird feeders, try switching to squirrel-proof designs that prevent food from spilling onto the ground. This way, you can still feed birds while keeping other animals away. Lastly, make a habit of regularly clearing leaves and any debris around your yard. Squirrels love to nest and hide in piles of yard waste, so removing their hiding spots prevents them from settling in.

Create a Distraction Zone

If you can’t keep squirrels out of your yard altogether, why not give them a space of their own? Setting up a “distraction zone” is a smart way to draw their attention away from your garden while still keeping them entertained. For instance, creating a small feeding station in another corner of your yard gives squirrels something to focus on that isn’t your plants. Placing nuts and seeds in this designated area can help redirect their activities.

Additionally, squirrels love digging, so providing them with a loose dirt or sand area lets them explore their instincts without ruining your garden beds. You might also try adding natural climbing structures, such as logs or branches, in this space. These features give squirrels plenty to do and may reduce the chance of them wandering back to your garden.

Install Motion-Activated Deterrents

Tech-savvy options can also help keep squirrels from turning your garden into their playground. Motion-activated tools are designed to startle animals when they get too close, training them to stay away from your plants. A great example of this is motion-activated sprinklers. These set off a quick burst of water whenever movement triggers them, catching animals off guard and encouraging them to leave the area.

Another option is ultrasonic repellents. These devices emit high-pitched sounds that are unpleasant to animals but inaudible to people. You can also use more low-tech options like garden pinwheels or reflective objects. These create noise and movement, which can make squirrels feel uneasy and decide to avoid your garden altogether.

Spring Gardening Tips to Minimize Squirrel Damage

These spring gardening tips can give your plants extra protection and keep your garden looking great all season:

• Choose Squirrel-Resistant Plants: Grow flowers like daffodils, marigolds, and alliums. These naturally repel squirrels, so they’re a good choice for borders or garden highlights.
• Plant Bulbs Deeper: Bury bulbs at least six inches into the soil. The added depth makes it harder for animals to dig them up.
• Mulch Your Garden: Cover the soil with pine needles or gravel. This makes the ground less appealing for digging, increasing protection for your plants.
• Water Frequently: Damp soil is less interesting to squirrels. Regular watering helps keep their digging instincts at bay while keeping your garden healthy.
• Use Raised Garden Beds: Elevate your plants so they’re harder for animals to reach. It’s a simple and effective way to secure your growing space.

Following these tips can help cut down on animal activity, making it easier to enjoy a neat and thriving garden this spring.

Professional Help When You Need It

Squirrels can be a challenge, but with the right mix of deterrents, barriers, and good garden care, you can stop them from causing trouble. Protecting your garden in spring ensures healthy plants, bright flowers, and a space you love spending time in. If those little diggers keep sneaking in, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is here to help. We use safe and humane solutions, like one-way doors, to remove squirrels and keep them from coming back.

Don’t wait for more damage to appear. Contact Skedaddle today to request a quote and learn more about how we can help with squirrel prevention in gardens while protecting plants from wildlife.