Learning how to keep squirrels out of potted plants can feel like a constant battle, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’ve noticed your beautiful pots have been dug up by clever critters, you’re in the right place. There are many simple, humane, and effective ways for keeping squirrels out of potted plants.
Before you can solve the problem, make sure you know your culprit! Our guide on the chipmunk vs squirrel can help you tell the difference. Once you’re sure it’s a squirrel, this guide will provide the best methods for squirrel-proofing potted plants.
Why Do Squirrels Dig in Flower Pots?
Understanding this behavior is the first step. Squirrels are not trying to annoy you; they are usually:
- Burying Food: They see your soft potting soil as the perfect place to hide nuts and acorns for later.
- Looking for Food: They might be digging up bulbs or seeds you’ve planted.
- Just Curious: Squirrels are naturally curious and love to dig. Their complex behaviors, like why why do squirrels chase each other, are all part of their nature.
Effective Ways to Keep Squirrels Out of Planters
Here are the best methods for keeping squirrels out of potted plants, grouped by strategy.
1. Create Physical Barriers (Make it Hard to Dig)
The easiest way to deter squirrels is to make your pots physically difficult to dig in by squirrel-proofing potted plants.
- Use a Wire Mesh: Cut a piece of chicken wire or hardware cloth to fit the top of your pot. Secure it over the soil surface. Your plant can still grow through the gaps, but squirrels can’t dig.
- Add a Layer of Mulch or Stone: Cover the topsoil with a layer of heavy gravel, decorative stones, or even sharp-edged pinecones. Squirrels dislike digging through these rough materials.
2. Use Scents They Hate (Repellents)
Squirrels have sensitive noses, and using smells they find unpleasant is a great way of keeping squirrels out of flower pots.
- Cayenne Pepper: The spicy capsaicin in cayenne pepper is irritating to squirrels but harmless to your plants. Sprinkle a generous amount on your soil. You will need to reapply after it rains.
- Coffee Grounds: Many gardeners have success using used coffee grounds. The strong smell is a natural deterrent. As a bonus, it can add some nitrogen to your soil.
- Other Smells: You can also try white vinegar, mint oil, or scattering citrus peels around your flower pots.
3. Use Plants They Dislike (Companion Planting)
Companion planting is a smart, natural strategy. Squirrels tend to avoid certain plants with strong smells or unpleasant textures. Try planting these in the same pots as your more vulnerable plants:
- Geraniums
- Marigolds
- Nasturtiums
- Alliums (like ornamental onions)
4. Make Your Pots Inaccessible
Sometimes the simplest solution is to move the pots.
- Hanging Baskets: Squirrels are great climbers, but they can’t reach a well-placed hanging basket.
- Elevated Planters: Place pots on high shelves, window boxes, or plant stands that are difficult for a squirrel to jump to.
5. Make Pots Inaccessible
Sometimes the simplest solution to keep squirrels out of planters is to move them.
- Hanging Baskets: Squirrels are great climbers, but they can’t reach a well-placed hanging basket.
- Elevated Planters: Place pots on high shelves, window boxes, or plant stands that are difficult for a squirrel to jump to.
Conclusion of How To Keep Squirrels Out of Potted Plants
Learning how to keep squirrels out of potted plants is a common challenge, but with these simple tricks, you can protect your beautiful flowers and vegetables. The key is to make your pots as inconvenient and unappealing as possible for these persistent critters. Once your plants are safe and thriving, they deserve a personality! Check out our list of the best names for your plants.
FAQs
How do I keep squirrels out of my potted plants?
The best way is to use a combination of methods. Cover the soil with a physical barrier like chicken wire or gravel, and use a scent repellent like cayenne pepper or coffee grounds.
How to keep squirrels from digging in potted plants?
Make digging unpleasant. A layer of sharp gravel, mulch, or pinecones on top of the soil will deter their paws. A wire mesh barrier is also extremely effective at stopping digging completely.
How to keep squirrels out of your flower pots?
To keep squirrels out of your flower pots, use scents they dislike, such as citrus, mint, or vinegar. You can also try companion planting with flowers like marigolds or geraniums, which squirrels tend to avoid.
Why do squirrels dig in flower pots?
Squirrels dig in potted plants for two main reasons: to bury their own food (like acorns) for later, or to dig up and eat things you’ve planted (like bulbs, seeds, or plant roots).
What keep squirrels away from plants?
Squirrels are kept away by deterrents that target their senses: strong, unpleasant smells (cayenne, vinegar), uncomfortable textures (sharp gravel, chicken wire), and visual threats (fake owls or snakes).