Squirrel Garden Problems

Parker on squirrel patrol

First let me say that I love squirrels. I think they are cute, although I’ll admit they can be quite destructive. Parker does his best but even a dog needs a rest from the constant barrage of squirrels. Besides, he is not as young as he used to be.

One of the problems I find this time of year is that as I start to put out container planters the squirrels love to dig them up. I planted some lettuce seedlings yesterday in planters for a continuous fresh salad harvest. I awoke this morning to find them dug and scattered. I managed to save some of the plants but they are looking pretty sad. Solution? Cayenne pepper. I dusted the planters heavily with cayenne. This should keep the squirrels from digging them up. I’ll add more after heavy rains until the plants are bigger and out of danger from the squirrels. This also works to keep squirrels out of the bird seed and birds are not bothered by the cayenne.