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Protect your bulbs from squirrels!

Squirrels are cute and fuzzy but can be a serious pest!

There are two ways to deal with them: deter them with scents they dislike or physically block their access to your bulbs and plants.
Here’s how:

Smelly deterrents:

• Moth Balls. Add a few to each hole and cover slightly with soil to prevent direct contact with the bulbs. Longer lasting than pepper products.
• Cayenne Pepper. Liberally sprinkle on the soil and in the planting hole. Repeat the application regularly, especially if it rains.
• ‘Critter Ridder’. This is a natural product that is a powerful combination of three different types of pepper. It must also be reapplied somewhat regularly to be effective.

Physical barriers:

• Chicken wire. Make a loose cage for each cluster of bulbs and plant in the garden. For containers, plant your bulbs as usual, and then lay a piece of chicken wire across the top, tucking it in so that it is snug. Cover it with soil for aesthetics… you can even plant some ground covers or other small plants on top if there is room.
• Steel Wool. Wrap your bulbs in a thin layer of steel wool, leaving the growing tip exposed, and plant as usual.

With these techniques you can rest assured that your precious tulip bulbs will survive until spring. We still have a great selection of bulbs in stock, so grab some and get planting!