Plants That Deter Squirrels

Keeping Squirrels Out of Your Garden

Squirrels are adorable creatures to watch as they scamper around in the trees and playfully bury their nuts in the ground. However, if you're a gardener, you know how frustrating it can be when those same cute critters munching on your plants and digging up your bulbs. Fortunately, there are several plants that squirrels dislike, so planting them strategically in your garden may help keep the pesky rodents away. In this post, we'll explore 15 plants that are known to deter squirrels, along with tips for growing and caring for each one.

15 Plants That Deter Squirrels

1. Alliums

Alliums are part of the onion family and have a strong scent that deters squirrels. These plants are also easy to grow and come in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, and white. Plant allium bulbs in the fall, and they will bloom in late spring or early summer. Alliums prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Growing Tips:

• Plant allium bulbs in groups of at least three for maximum impact.
• Choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight.
• Water alliums sparingly, as they don't like wet feet.

2. Daffodils

Daffodils are another bulb plant that squirrels tend to avoid. These cheerful flowers come in many different varieties, from classic yellow to bright pink and orange. Daffodils need well-draining soil and partial to full sun to thrive.

Growing Tips:

• Plant daffodil bulbs in the fall, about 6 inches deep.
• Water daffodils when the soil is dry to the touch.
• After the flowers fade, let the leaves die back naturally before trimming them back.

3. Fritillaries

Fritillaries are a unique-looking bulb plant with bell-shaped flowers that hang downward. They come in a variety of colors, from dark purple to bright orange. Squirrels tend to avoid fritillaries because they have a bitter taste. These plants prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

Growing Tips:

• Plant fritillary bulbs in the fall, about 6 inches deep.
• Choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight.
• Water fritillaries when the soil is dry to the touch.

4. Hyacinths

Hyacinths are another fragrant bulb plant that squirrels tend to avoid. These plants come in many different colors, including pink, blue, and white. Hyacinths prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

Growing Tips:

• Plant hyacinth bulbs in the fall, about 6 inches deep.
• Water hyacinths when the soil is dry to the touch.
• After the flowers fade, let the leaves die back naturally before trimming them back.

5. Bleeding Heart

Bleeding heart is a beautiful flowering plant that also happens to be toxic to squirrels. The pink or white heart-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and prefer partial to full shade.

Growing Tips:

• Plant bleeding heart in a shady location with well-draining soil.
• Water bleeding heart when the soil is dry to the touch.
• Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.

6. Geraniums

Geraniums are a popular annual flower that squirrels tend to avoid. They come in many different colors and can be grown in pots or directly in the ground. Geraniums prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

Growing Tips:

• Plant geraniums in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
• Water geraniums when the soil is dry to the touch.
• Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.

7. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant perennial that squirrels tend to avoid because of its strong scent. These plants prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

Growing Tips:

• Plant lavender in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
• Water lavender sparingly, as it prefers drier soil.
• Prune lavender after flowering to encourage bushier growth.

8. Mint

Mint is an herb that squirrels tend to avoid because of its strong smell. This plant is easy to grow and can be used in cooking or as a natural insect repellent. Mint prefers partial to full sun and well-draining soil.

Growing Tips:

• Plant mint in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
• Water mint regularly to keep the soil moist.
• Harvest leaves as needed for cooking or other uses.

9. Marigolds

Marigolds are another annual flower that squirrels tend to avoid. These plants come in many different colors and sizes and can be grown in pots or directly in the ground. Marigolds prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

Growing Tips:

• Plant marigolds in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
• Water marigolds when the soil is dry to the touch.
• Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.

10. Rosemary

Rosemary is an herb that squirrels tend to avoid because of its strong scent. This plant is easy to grow and can be used in cooking or as a natural insect repellent. Rosemary prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

Growing Tips:

• Plant rosemary in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
• Water rosemary sparingly, as it prefers drier soil.
• Prune rosemary regularly to encourage bushier growth.

11. Sage

Sage is another herb that squirrels tend to avoid because of its strong scent. This plant is easy to grow and can also be used in cooking or as a natural insect repellent. Sage prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

Growing Tips:

• Plant sage in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
• Water sage sparingly, as it prefers drier soil.
• Prune sage regularly to encourage bushier growth.

12. Thyme

Thyme is an herb that squirrels tend to avoid because of its strong scent. This plant is easy to grow and can be used in cooking or as a natural insect repellent. Thyme prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

Growing Tips:

• Plant thyme in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
• Water thyme sparingly, as it prefers drier soil.
• Prune thyme regularly to encourage bushier growth.

13. Catnip

Catnip is a member of the mint family that is known for its ability to attract cats. However, squirrels tend to avoid this plant because of its strong scent. Catnip prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

Growing Tips:

• Plant catnip in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
• Water catnip regularly to keep the soil moist.
• Harvest leaves as needed for use with cats or other purposes.

14. Chives

Chives are another member of the onion family that squirrels tend to avoid. These plants have a mild onion flavor and can be used in cooking or as a natural insect repellent. Chives prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

Growing Tips:

• Plant chives in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
• Water chives when the soil is dry to the touch.
• Harvest leaves as needed for cooking or other uses.

15. Garlic

Garlic is another bulb plant that squirrels tend to avoid because of its strong smell. This plant is easy to grow and can be used in cooking or as a natural insect repellent. Garlic prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

Growing Tips:

• Plant garlic bulbs in the fall, about 2 inches deep.
• Water garlic when the soil is dry to the touch.
• After the foliage dies back, harvest the garlic bulbs for use in cooking.

Keeping Squirrels at Bay

By planting these 15 plants in your garden, you may be able to deter squirrels from munching on your plants and digging up your bulbs. Remember to choose a sunny or shady location depending on the plant's preference, and make sure the soil is well-draining. With a little bit of care and attention, your squirrel-free garden will be blooming in no time!

FAQs

1. Are all of these plants safe for pets?

Most of these plants are safe for pets, but some, like garlic and onion, can be toxic to dogs and cats in large quantities. Use caution when planting these herbs and bulbs if you have pets that like to chew on plants.

2. Do I need to plant all 15 of these plants to keep squirrels away?

No, planting just a few of the plants on this list may be enough to deter squirrels. Experiment with different combinations of plants to see what works best in your garden.

3. Will these plants also repel other rodents, like mice and rats?

Some of these plants may also repel other rodents, but it's not guaranteed. If you're dealing with a rodent infestation, it's best to call in a professional exterminator.

4. How do I know if squirrels are eating my plants?

Look for telltale signs like missing leaves or flowers, holes in the ground where squirrels have been digging up bulbs, or bite marks on stems and foliage.

5. Can I use these plants in a vegetable garden?

Yes, many of these plants, like chives and garlic, are edible and can be used in cooking. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly before using them in recipes.