Keeping critters out of your vegetable patch or flower bed is a challenge for most gardeners. There are many fencing options available (wood, metal, netting, chicken wire) to help ward off unwanted guests, but the one you choose depends on the type of critters you're trying to keep out.
Tim Holcomb, owner of Holcomb Garden Center in Hixson and Fort Oglethorpe, said not all fences are critter-proof, but they can make a difference.
"All of God's critters need to eat, right?" Holcomb asked. "But when they think the whole garden is theirs and leave none of this wonderful harvest for you to enjoy, the battle is on."
If an animal is hungry enough, he adds, no measure will stop it. "However, you can slow them down and greatly reduce the damage."
If controlling the critters results in an overabundant harvest, Holcomb recommends donating your extra produce to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.
FIVE TIPS
1Bird control. Netting is the foremost effective method. The beauty of bird netting is that it's only needed near the time fruit is getting ripe. Since you are covering a row, a bush or tree, choose the size of netting you will need and use it on all crops as they become attractive to the birds. Bird netting also helps control squirrels if you wrap the tree or bush and secure it to the trunk so the squirrel cannot climb to the fruit.
2Deer and rabbit control. A secure fence would need to be tall enough to block deer (7 feet) and with slats placed closely enough that rabbits can't squeeze through. If a fence is not practical for your garden, consider repellents. Liquid Fence has proven very effective in repelling deer and rabbits, even with such desirable plants as roses, Holcomb said. Other products that work fairly well are hot pepper wax, Milorganite and blood meal. Each of these are safe in the garden and work with varying results.
3Groundhog control. Several of the above repellents will help reduce crop damage from groundhogs, but the best is a groundhog fence or an "L" fence. You need a fence that is 5 feet tall. You fold it into an "L" shape so that the groundhog is on the fence when he stands at the fence, thus preventing him from digging down. Leave the top 12 inches loosely attached so that, if he tries to climb over, it will flop him down rather than support his weight.
4Chipmunk or vole control. Critter Ridder repellent generally works well, but if extra measures are required, try Underground Exterminator. This device attaches to your car exhaust and to a regular garden hose. Hook it up, put the hose in the tunnel and allow the car to run about 15 minutes. This odorless method does no harm to the soil and will control critters in tunnels up to 200 feet long. Rat-free bait is very effective on voles also.
5Mole control. Moles are not after crops or plants. They are seeking grubs, namely Japanese beetle grubs. Eliminate the grubs, and the moles will leave. For immediate control, try grub-killer granules. For long-term, the organic milky spore will provide grub control up to 15 years. This bacterium is harmless to children and pets, so it can be used in the lawn, garden and flower bed.