There are a few things you can count on that will affect the health of your garden, such as the weather and the soil, as just discussed. But another one is animals.

Much like longshoremen do with sea life, many gardeners can readily share tales of their battles with critters over their gardens—and they often don’t have a happy ending. But take heart in knowing that there are several methods you can use to stave off your flowers’ foes. (Note: if you try any of these methods, keep your pet away from your garden to avoid potentially irritating his eyes, nose, or throat.)

• DIY repellents
  It seems like everyone has their own trick that they swear by: castor oil, coffee grinds, or even mothballs. But no matter what you try, it’s ultimately about the scent. Simply sprinkle a strong-smelling spice—such as black pepper, cinnamon, cayenne, or garlic—around your flower bed to dissuade your furry enemy, or create a spray by mixing cayenne (or a combination of hot spices) with dish soap or water. The downsides: you may need to experiment to see what works, and you’ll need to keep reapplying, especially after rain or snow.



• Store-bought repellents
  These tried-and-true products usually contain natural deterrents, can come in spray or pellet form, and often last longer than homemade versions. The downsides: they can initially smell awful, and they can actually harm the very plants they’re meant to defend, so be sure to read the label carefully before purchasing.



• Auditory/visual deterrents
  Creating a visual threat is why scarecrows were used by farmers in the first place. In the twenty-first century, technology has taken this to the next level with motion-triggered devices that flash lights and/or emit loud sounds. Like the scarecrow, some are even shaped like predators to ward off animals.

Trying to prevent creatures from digging up your hard work and spring-bloom hopes can be a challenge, but with the array of tools at your disposal, victory can be had. And take heart knowing that it’s often a short but worthwhile battle—winter (and hibernation) is right around the corner. And, if you do it right, a beautiful bed of flowers will follow come spring.