Gardening expert Ish has shared a simple way to protect your garden plants, and it involves using chilli flakes. Homeowners are being urged to put them outside now
As autumn rolls in, it’s time to turn our attention to the garden and prepare for the cooler months ahead. If you’re planning on planting some lovely blooms ready for spring, then there’s something you need to know.
You may have already potted some plants, only to find they’ve become damaged. This is often due to squirrels and other pests digging around the plants, which can hinder their growth. Fear not, gardening guru Ish, known as gardening.with.ish on TikTok, has shared his wisdom on how to prevent this problem entirely. He’s previously shared tips on how to deter these critters from your plants, so he knows what he’s talking about.
Ish explained that there are a few things homeowners can do to protect their plants from being ruined. One way to stop squirrels from digging up your bulbs is by covering your pots and plants with wire mesh or netting.
This allows air and water to reach the plants throughout the winter, keeping them “nice and happy”, while also acting as a protective barrier. Overplanting pots with winter annuals can also serve as a barrier, according to Ish.
However, there are a few other things you can do, he says – including putting some nuts outside. He explained: “If you don’t want to overplant, or you don’t fancy ugly netting, don’t worry – you can also use chilli flakes.
“Now, the cool thing about chilli flakes is you sprinkle them every couple of weeks or so, and as a result the squirrel will go for a little nibble of those first, and they’ll get a bit of a hot surprise. You’ll find they probably won’t come back for a while.
“My final tip for you is consider actually feeding the squirrels, because these guys aren’t actually trying to destroy your garden by eating the bulbs – they just want some food.
“So, by adding some nuts or seeds to a tray or somewhere in the garden nice and safe for them, they’ll be fed and they won’t be going for your spring bulbs too.
“After all, they’re just looking for a meal over winter. [It’s as] easy as that.” Ish’s clip has racked up hundreds of views since being posted, with numerous viewers rushing to share their gratitude for the expert advice.
How to keep squirrels at bay
Some people believe the nuts trick doesn’t always do the job, arguing that feeding squirrels will simply draw more of them into your garden. Yet chilli flakes can prove effective at keeping squirrels away because their active component, capsaicin, acts as a natural deterrent that both tastes and smells revolting to the creatures.
You can scatter them across flower beds to safeguard plants. The seasoning won’t harm squirrels or birds, but can cause enough irritation to deter squirrels from venturing into the treated zones.
Gardener’s World explains: “One of the most important things you can do if squirrels are an issue is to protect your plants. Seeds and young plants are particularly vulnerable, as squirrels will nip off soft shoots and dig up and eat seeds.
“Get around this by protecting young plants by sowing and growing in a greenhouse, propagator or cloche so the squirrels can’t get to them. Protect spring bulbs growing in pots by covering them with a layer of chicken wire or metal mesh.
“You can remove this after the bulbs start producing shoots. Tulips and crocus are particularly vulnerable.”