Preventing Pets in the Garden, Pt. 2

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Last week we talked about pets getting in the garden. I promised a few helpful tips on keeping Sadie and Sassy out and the flowers in. =)

1. Consider raised beds. Raised beds aren’t ideal, or even appealing, in some landscapes, but if you can make a raised bed, the results are worth the effort. Make the edge of the bed about 6 inches high and border it with something attractive - bricks, rocks, old timbers. Our dogs don’t seem to like having to climb up to get in the flower bed, so they just stay out. Yay! Cats, on the other hand, are more obstinate.
2. Use deciduous plants. Hardier shrubs and plants, such as forsythia, lilac, azalea, hydrangea, are more difficult for critters to dig up than regular annuals, such as petunias, salvia, marigolds. Deciduous plants can add huge splashes of seasonal color to your yard too. Check out this list for some possibilities.
3. Protect young trees and bushes. Place wire cages around young saplings and young plant starts. Sadie and Sassy will be able to look, but not touch. When the plant is well-established, the cage can be removed.
4. Use fencing. Raquel commented on last week’s post that her dog loves pursuing wildlife through the flower beds. Fencing is one way to prevent those random jaunts. We put up a wire fence with a small mesh pattern around our new bed. It’s not very attractive but it does the job. (The photo is mid-construction of the flower bed and yard area. Click on the photo to see a larger version.) I’m hoping to put up some type of picket fence in the future. Wire has its benefits though. It’s flimsy enough that the cats can’t jump up and sit on it and then jump down on the other side. From a distance you can’t see the fencing either.
5. Create diversions. The purpose of a diversion is to “scare” your pet away from the bed. The diversion can be a loud noise, spraying water or whatever will make Sadie or Sassy run. Consistent use of the diversion will train them over time to not enter the garden.
6. Make a “safe play” area. In our large farm gardens, Sadie and Sassy play in the dirt paths between the rows. As long as they stay in the “safe” area, they’re fine. If a paw steps in the plant area, we resort to #5.
7. Use pet sprays. I would recommend anti-pet sprays as a last resort. These repellents contain chemicals and I would only use these if I was truly desperate and after doing much research.

So what has worked best for us? Raised beds and fencing, along with continual training (#5 and #6). How about you?

Supposed to be Related posts:

1. Preventing Pets in the Garden, Pt. 1
2. Flowering Friday: ID Needed
3. Help! My bulbs are gone!
4. Wordless Wednesday: Clematis
5. Planning for Spring

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