Protecting Your Garden from Pests

Mastering the art of gardening can seem like a battle in and of itself. It seems impossible to get something to actually grow, and then once it has started growing there is the chance that some four legged creature will come and destroy your hard work. Whether you are raising a vegetable garden or a flower garden, pests are exactly that. If you want to stop them, here are some tips that will keep your garden well-protected.

Identify the Threat

The first thing you need to do is identify what you’re dealing with. Bugs are easy to spot if you know what to look for. Snails leave a trail wherever they go, and you can tell bugs have been around by the small bite marks they leave on your plants. Look for holes in leaves, tell-tale signs that something is crawling around in there. Larger animals can be harder to spot, or at least harder to catch in the act. You might see evidence that something was there, but without identification you don’t know whether you’re dealing with a rabbit or a deer.

You should also decide what is acceptable to you. If pests are merely causing aesthetic damage to a crop you will eat, then it may not be worth taking drastic action. Ask neighbors about the animals they deal with and check for droppings to confirm your suspicions.

Erect Barriers

A garden fence can be a powerful deterrent if installed properly. An elevated garden box will help to keep away small insects, but fencing deters larger animals and makes it harder to reach your crops. You can use standard wire-mesh fencing to enclose the garden, with a gate for in and out entry. Slanted fences have an electrical barrier, so a professional is recommended for these installations. Stone or wood fences are also great deterrents, as deer are less likely to hop over them in fear of getting trapped. Plastic fencing is cheap and useful, and it’s easier to install by yourself. Just don’t expect it to hold up well against the elements for very long.

Use Repellents

Human hair is a surprisingly strong deterrent for wild animals. Next time you visit the barber, ask him or her to keep your clippings so you can spread them around the garden. There is also a natural mixture made of egg and water that will help deter larger animals from chowing down on your trees and bushes.

Use Plants as Deterrents

Aside from wire fencing, you can use actual plants as deterrents. You might need to do some research on the particular animal you are dealing with, but you can actually find flowers and shrubs that will look attractive in your garden while serving a practical purpose.
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Farm Supply Store sells garden fences and electric fences designed to protect and confine. To order garden fences, visit Farm Supply Store.