How to Squirrel-Proof Your Bulbs
How to keep Squirrels and other Animals from eating Your Bulbs
I LOVE spring bulbs, but so do the squirrels. In fact, I have several neighbors who just don’t plant bulbs anymore, because the squirrels can be so destructive. However, last fall while I was planting my bulbs, I listened to an interview on Science Friday which gave me an idea. The interview was with Dr. Lucia Jacobs, a professor in the Department of Psychology and the Institute of Neuroscience at UC Berkeley. She studies the hoarding behaviors of squirrels. She confirmed that not only do squirrels watch us as we plant, but they have remarkable memories — knowing what they have cached and where over long periods of time. Remarkable, frankly. But that got me to thinking: how do I protect my bulbs from these very clever creatures.
My solution is simple and inexpensive: cover the bulbs with leaves and burlap.
Does it work? I didn’t lose a single bulb last year! So, yes, in my experience, it does! Plus, using the leaves from your trees as insulation preserves the biodiversity in those leaves for spring time. Always a good thing!
Burlap is a great gardening tool. It is biodegradable, durable, plastic-free, and reusable. You can buy it by the roll or in pre-cut squares. The staples will last multiple seasons as well. So while it may be an investment at the beginning, these are materials which will last for years.
Also: DO NOT use bone meal or any other bulb feeders. They attract squirrels.
How to Keep Squirrels from Eating Your Bulbs
How To Keep Squirrels Away From Bulbs
Honestly, it is that simple.
Plant your bulbs according to the directions for each type. They always look better planted in clumps anyway, so it makes it easy.
Pile a deep layer of leaves over each spot.
And then cover with burlap and secure it with landscaping staples.
Remove the burlap in February or March – when your bulbs would start to emerge normally.
I didn't lose a single bulb last year, and I've planted a bunch more this year using this same method. Hopefully the squirrels will be well-fed – just not on my bulbs!
Happy Gardening!
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How to keep squirrels from eating your bulbs over the winter. Easy and humane solution to keep squirrels out of garden and flower beds and from digging up bulbs including tulips, daffodils, alliums, and hyacinth. Squirrels have great memories, so this science-based approach will keep them from digging up your garden.