Bulbs are perfect, self-contained packages for gardeners. They’re equipped with everything necessary to make flowers grow and bloom.
Problem is, that makes them a prize for predators, too.
“The perfect lunch box,” said Leonard Perry, an extension professor with the University of Vermont. “Put them in the ground this fall and I guarantee you the plant pests will come.”
But there are ways to minimize animal damage, and it begins by not underestimating your enemies. Squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, deer, mice, voles, moles and the many other critters that feast on flower bulbs are crafty. Observant, too.
“Just the fact you’re disturbing the earth is a tip-off,” Perry said. “These guys are curious. They’ll know something is going on and come to investigate. Once they discover the newly planted bulbs, they’ll assume it’s food for getting them through winter and there you go. So much for any spring flower displays.”
Deer and rabbits like grazing on the tender stems as they surface in early spring. Squirrels, chipmunks, voles and moles, among others, often dine underground. That requires designing a bulb defense in layers.
Here are some proven deterrents. For best results, use them in combination:
• Pest-resistant bulbs. Tulips are deer magnets but other, less appetizing bulbs are ignored, said Becky Heath, co-owner of Brent and Becky’s Bulbs in Gloucester, Va. “In populated areas, where hunting is dangerous and there are no natural predators, deer have become brazen, going right up to the front door to eat something in a pot on a porch,” she said. “Choose plants that either taste bad or are (naturally) poisonous.” Inter-planting daffodils or alliums, both deer-resistant bulbs, among the more delectable tulips also can be effective.
• Fencing, wire covers, cages and other barriers. Voles, moles and chipmunks are notorious for tunneling their way to bulbs, shrubs and tree roots. “Put a wire mesh cage around them when you plant,” Perry said. Fencing is expensive but it will keep deer out of the garden. Build them at least 7 feet high, however, since deer are excellent jumpers. An electric fence is another garden option.
• Unpleasant smells and flavors. “We put bulbs in a plastic bucket and spray them with something that tastes nasty (but) that’s not necessarily poisonous,” Heath said. “Let the spray dry and then plant the bulbs. For insurance, we often spray the ground when the new shoots begin to emerge.” Many such repellents are sold and most come with strict guidelines for their use. “We usually get people to check with their local extension agent to see what’s allowed in each area,” Heath said.
• Lights, sprinklers and barking dogs. Motion detectors attached to water sprinklers and spotlights can be effective. “A tethered dog often works,” Perry said. “But it doesn’t take long for deer to learn the length of the tether and ignore it.”
Other ideas
Try planting closer to the house or giving bulb-eating animals a distant, alternative garden of their own.
Shooting and poisons are the ultimate sanctions, but both come with safety concerns: Both risk injury or damage beyond the intended target.
“I don’t like using poisons even if you don’t have kids or pets,” Perry said. “They can work their way into the food chain and get into edibles. I’d much rather use biological controls such as burying bulbs with something unappetizing like ground up shells.”
Trapping is yet another alternative, although many communities have rules against relocating wild critters. Check with city hall before making any moves.
Successfully controlling animal pests around the yard will depend on your timing, methods and resolve. Be aware that what may have worked previously for you or a neighbor may not work again. “Use a few different things in different areas to stay ahead of the game,” Perry said.
DEAN FOSDICK may be reached via e-mail at deanfosdick@netscape.net.
Garden
Related Photos
-
Dean Fosdick
-
Discussion
Flower bulbs make a ‘box lunch’ for garden pests
- Garden
-
-
Try tropicals in your garden this spring
When the tomatoes are finally planted, any old daffodil foliage is cut back and the beds are weeded and mulched, it’s time to add the final touch of perfection — tropicals that give your porches and patios a little island mystique.
-
Edmond Beautiful plans Spring Garden Tour
Edmond Beautiful Inc. will have a Spring Garden Tour of the 2011 “Yard of the Week” winners May 26-27. The “Yard of the Week” program recognizes yards and gardens during the summer months for outstanding flowers and landscaping.
-
Garden party to feature plants, tour of Touchmark Prairieview Memory Residences
All green thumbs and garden admirers are invited to a Garden Party and Open House at Touchmark at Coffee Creek on May 20.
-
2012 Yard of the Week contest kicks off
Edmond is noted for its nice additions, beautiful homes and yards. It’s time to take a few moments and recognize those residents who put in the extra work and effort on their yards to truly make Edmond beautiful.
-
Identify springtime wildlife with state field book
As the weather continues to warm up, you may get a chance to see one of Oklahoma’s unique frogs, snakes, turtles or salamanders on your outdoor adventures.
-
City part of new Tree Bank project
In an effort to combat the risk of skin cancer, the Oklahoma Tree Bank and partners are bringing their Shade Trees on Playgrounds (STOP) program to the City of Edmond. According to the Tree Bank, the unique program intends to lower the risk of melanoma by providing “large, quality shade trees to playgrounds, parks, ball fields and other places children play in the sun.”
-
Hintergardts take last Yard of the Week
The final Yard of the Week for 2011 goes to Hadley and Mary Hintergardt, 4104 Eaton Place in the Clayton Pond addition.
-
Urban Forestry offers new tree options
Between the drought and the recent wind storm, many people have lost trees this summer. With fall quickly approaching (finally!), the Urban Forestry Department has some replanting opportunities on the calendar that you may be eligible for.
-
Jennings Taylor takes Yard of the Week
The Yard of the Week award goes to Keri L. Jennings Taylor, 5924 Great Hampden Rd. in the Hampden Hollow Addition.
-
Easy ways to get top dollar for your home
For many Oklahoma home sellers, spring and summer is the time to put their homes on the market to get top dollar.
- More Garden Headlines
-
Try tropicals in your garden this spring
