New Garden Beds

[DinaJean]

I have planted a couple new beds around the stairs at the front entrance of our dwelling. However, the cats now think they have a new litterbox!!!!! How can I prevent them from doing their business in my gardens????? I know I can scoot them away when I see them in the act, but usually I don't see them in the act, they are somewhat shy in doing their business in front of everyone. HELP! I would much rather have the smell of my flowers when I walk out that front door! :)

P.S. I have an old bottle of deer repellant spray, will that work? I dont remember what it smells like, it may be worse than the cats?

[backyardgardener]

Will bark or keep the soil wet work?

[DinaJean]

I do have the bed mulched real good with pine bark mulch and I actually think that is what attracts them, because the dirt under is rather compact. I really need to keep the bed mulched especially with the winter coming on, I want to protect the roots of the plants. And I water in the AM but by evening*the mulch *has dried out. I dont think I am supposed to water at night, too, Am I?

[backyardgardener]

This is an old time discussion that has taken place on other mailing list.* You can do a search on
http://www.hort.net/lists/search.cgi** I think it's on the perennial mailing list.*

[DinaJean]

Thank you kindly! I will check it out.

[Newt]

Hi DinaJean,

How nice of you to make a new potty for your kitties!*** :shock:There are several things you can do to keep the cats out.** Pine cones placed on top of the mulch will stop them, citrus peels like grapefruit or lemon placed on top, thorny plant clippings, a tea spray around the perimeter made from rue will keep them away, sweet gum seed balls placed on top or place chicken wire just under the mulch.* A more expensive solution for long term problems with many different critters, including deer, is a motion activated water sprinkler called the scarecrow.* You don't have to put the yellow face stickers on if you don't like the look.* They are about $75 to $80+.
https://www.vetproducts.com.au/image...hic/inn014.jpg

There is also something called cat scat (not to be confused with the indoor scat mat) with sharp points that stick up.
http://www.gardeners.com/on/demandwa...erID=11687&SC=

I've also read that people stick plastic forks or knives into the soil like the spikes on the cat scat.



Backyardgardener, I couldn't get the link to work.

Newt

[backyardgardener]

It doesn't work when I press on the link.* If you go to http://www.hort.net/lists/ and look at the left menu.* You will see an option to search.

The topic is different than what your asking, but I'm sure the thread will change to support your question.

http://www.hort.net/lists/perennials.../msg00064.html

Hey, I can remember something...1998

[sama]

[align=left]how about trying lion dung pellets?* i've read that they are pretty good!* any reputable gardening online store should sell 'em!* i regret to say that i am going to have to resort to these, or dried skunk poo, if i can get some, to deter my dear little puppy from excavating my ENTIRE garden!* at the moment, it's like living with a small, white, furry mole![/align]
[align=left]sama[/align]