Gardens full of blooms this summer can attract a number of pests and pets, giving plants a lot of unwanted attention.
Gardens blossoming with summer flowers might look stunning, but they’re also a magnet for unwanted visitors. Luckily, garden designer Ish, known as Gardening with Ish on TikTok, has shared some top tricks to deter cats from using your garden as a litter tray and it won’t empty your wallet.
The horticulture expert recommended simple household items that double as cat repellents, meaning there’s no need to splash out on expensive chemical solutions. One of Ish’s preferred methods involves the use of plain white vinegar to create a harmless but effective barrier.
How to keep cats away from your garden
Craft a mix by filling a spray bottle roughly a third full with water and top up the rest with white vinegar. Give it a vigorous shake to blend well.
Take this mix and spray it over gravel areas or around the perimeter of your plant beds—but avoid putting it directly on your plants.
Ish said: “The watered down vinegar won’t have any smell to us but they’ll be able to smell it, and they’ll sure as hell stay away.”
Ish shared some more tips and key techniques that could help keep cats from ruining your plants.
Certain plants like lavender, rosemary, and lemongrass are already off-putting to cats thanks to their potent aromas, reports the Express.
These plants act as built-in guard dogs for your garden, pushing away curious cats with their fragrance. Ish stress that strong odours aren’t the only option for keeping cats away from your plants.
You can deter feline intruders from your garden by planting crops close together, creating densely-packed borders that discourage cats from treading through and using the area to go to the toilet.
For a new gardener who doesn’t have thick plant coverage, an alternative is to scatter dried twigs and bark around your plants.
Ish said that the sharp and rough texture of the twigs will prevent cats from roaming over the space.
Ish added: “Another pro of this is that these will rot into the ground, meaning you’ll add a slow boost of nitrogen as well keeping those cats away.”