The independence and joy that come with owning a garden and reaping its benefits can easily get overshadowed by pets eating the vegetables first or destroying the garden beds. Gardeners love their pets, but they also love their gardens. To effectively pet-proof gardens, these tips and key strategies provide a helpful guide.
Garden Problems Pets Cause
Pets do many disagreeable things when faced with a garden. They dig into the dirt or use the surface as a litter box. Some pets trample seedlings while others eat the vegetables and fruits directly from the stems. Other animals might eat toxic plants, requiring an immediate trip to the vet. Pet-proofing a garden is just as much for the owners as it is for their pets, since loose chicken wire and dangerous plants can harm the animals.
Tips for Pet-Proofing Gardens
There are many ways to pet-proof gardens. The effectiveness of the methods below depends on the animal and the type of garden, but it is a good idea to try many of them to see what works.
Planning a Garden Design
Garden design is a key factor when pet-proofing a garden, and a well-planned garden is much easier to protect. Raised garden beds make them harder to trample, and clearly defined pathways provide a more desirable and less destructive route for animals. Gardening in containers isolates plants, making them inaccessible to pets and other animals.
Vertical gardening keeps plants out of pets’ reach while also maximizing space in smaller areas. Choosing an optimal location that is easier to fence off or naturally less accessible to pets is another good design option.
Utilizing Sounds
Sounds are a good way to deter pets from gardens. Cats and dogs are sensitive to high-pitch sounds that specific motion-activated devices can replicate. Simply place a device near the border of the garden and watch as it emits a sound that triggers pets, causing them to redirect their attention. Wind chimes near the garden are another option, but they may annoy neighbors.
Creating Physical Barriers
Creating physical barriers is also a way to pet-proof gardens. Fencing is the most obvious choice. When deciding on fencing, choose one high enough to prevent jumping if larger pets are causing problems. A wood fence works, but a mesh fence is ideal for smaller animals.
Gardeners can put mesh underneath the garden to prevent digging or burrowing. Also, fence posts should go deep enough in the ground to withstand wind and persistent pets. Some gardeners also put fencing over the top to keep birds and squirrels out. However, it is essential that plants still receive enough sunlight.
If gardeners do not want a fence, another option is to plant thorny branches around the garden’s border. Animals will learn not to disturb the area if they continuously get pricked. Thorns can hurt pets if they run into them too hard, so determine if this method is the right course of action.
Netting is a close alternative to a fence. Place it directly over the plants, allowing space for the sun to pass through. If aesthetics are important, gardeners can add decorative borders, such as stone or marble, to enhance the space while preventing pet interference.
Placing Deterring Objects
Gardeners can place deterring objects in their gardens to pet-proof the area. Animals, especially cats, are sensitive to smell. Placing undesirable-smelling items, such as orange peels, pepper, coffee grounds or predator-scented sprays, can deter pets. Remember to replenish these items every few days to ensure maximum effectiveness, especially after a storm or a rainy day.
Giving the illusion of other pests is another method. Place garden hoses or plastic snakes in the dirt to mimic real snakes — this should scare cats and possibly dogs. Additionally, it is no secret that cats dislike water. Even some dogs and other pets dislike it. While it may have a steep up front cost, a motion-activated sprayer can deter animals if placed on the border of the garden with the nozzle facing outward.
Another deterring object is creating an additional area where animals are free to dig or play. This may be challenging in a curated backyard, but it can provide pets with an acceptable alternative. If there are woods behind the house or a corner of the yard left unused, consider turning that into a little oasis for them.
Choosing Plants
Plant choice is another way to strategically pet-proof gardens. Choose non-toxic plants with unusual textures or smells on the outside of the garden to serve as a makeshift fence. Some plants pets generally dislike include lavender, lemon balm, rosemary and the “scaredy cat plant.” Invest in these plants to make a border without building a physical fence.
Some plants are toxic to animals, so it is best to avoid planting these or completely fence them off to prevent harmful consequences. Most of these are houseplants, but it is good to have a list of which plants are toxic to pets, including these:
- Cyclamen
- Lily
- Aroid plants
- Euphorbias
- Bulb plants
Remember, some fertilizers are harmful to pets, too. Read the bag and choose a soil that is nontoxic to animals if they frequently get into the garden.
How Lawn Maintenance Helps
Lawn maintenance can help with gardening and pet-proofing efforts. Having a well-maintained area around the garden can deter pets and make them want to explore other areas. For example, a dog may want to prance around a freshly cut yard instead of digging up the daisies.
Efficient lawn care saves time, allowing gardeners to more effectively pet-proof their gardens. Automated lawn maintenance reduces labor and makes it safer to mow rougher terrain. This can be an additional tool to complement the backyard beyond just a garden.
What Not to Do
There are several things gardeners should avoid when pet-proofing their gardens. They should not chase animals out of the garden, especially cats. Cats take it as a challenge instead of an instruction. Some gardeners try one of the above tactics and give up if it does not work, but other methods may better suit their specific pet and garden.
Remember that pets do not understand why their owners do not want them in their garden. While having a pet can improve an owner’s cognition, the animal remains the same. Try not to be too hard on them. Pet-proofing methods should work well enough to keep them away.
Successful Pet-Proofing
Try the tactics above to effectively pet-proof a garden. Make adjustments and shift tactics as needed. Creating a pet-proof garden is an achievable and rewarding process, so both the garden and the pet stay safe.
