To keep squirrels out of your garden, you can use a combination of physical barriers, natural repellents, and deterrents that exploit their dislikes and behaviors. Here are effective methods:

Physical Barriers

• Fence or enclosure: Use chicken wire or hardware cloth to create a barrier around your garden beds. Bury fencing about a foot deep to prevent squirrels from digging underneath

• Row covers and netting: Cover crops with bird netting or row covers to protect plants from squirrel damage while allowing sunlight and water through

• Wire mesh over bulbs: Protect bulbs by covering them with wire mesh to stop squirrels from digging them up

• Fruit cages: Use metal mesh cages large enough to protect fruit and vegetable plants from squirrels

Natural Repellents and Companion Plants

• Plant squirrel-repelling plants: Squirrels dislike mint, marigolds, nasturtiums, mustard, alliums (daffodils, snowdrops, hyacinths), and crown imperial bulbs (though these have a strong smell and should be planted away from living areas)

• Use hot peppers: Sprinkle cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce on soil and plants. Squirrels hate the smell and taste of capsaicin

• Peppermint oil: Spray peppermint oil on plants or soil or mix with petroleum jelly to rub on stalks to repel squirrels

• Apple cider vinegar spray: Mix with peppermint oil or cayenne pepper in a spray bottle and apply near plants for an unpleasant scent to squirrels

• Mulch with gravel or pepper flakes: Squirrels dislike the texture of gravel mulch and the smell of pepper flakes spread on the soil

Deterrents and Distractions

• Decoys: Place plastic owls or rubber snakes in the garden to scare squirrels. Move them regularly and add noise if possible to increase effectiveness

• Motion-sensor sprinklers: These startle squirrels with water when they approach, teaching them to avoid the area

• Provide alternative food: Set up a squirrel feeder with sunflower seeds, peanuts, or corn away from your garden to distract them

• Remove food attractants: Use squirrel-resistant bird feeders, keep trash sealed, and avoid leaving food scraps out to reduce attraction

Additional Tips

• Press sharp sticks into the soil around plants to discourage digging temporarily

• Use tin foil around plant bases; the reflection can scare squirrels

• Avoid planting tulips, crocuses, and geraniums which attract squirrels

These methods are humane and environmentally friendly, focusing on discouraging squirrels without harm. Combining several approaches tends to yield the best results in protecting your garden from squirrels