One of the concerns when it comes to rodent control is the chemicals. You certainly do not need to sacrifice your organic gardening to keep your flowers and produce animal-free. There are a dozen natural ways to successfully deter plant predators!

Physical Barriers

1. A fence

Of course, the mesh needs to be a finer mesh than standard chicken wire and should be buried in the ground to discourage the burrowing habits of voles and chipmunks. However, varmints can still find their way underneath if determined. Additional solutions may be necessary.

2. Plastic predators

You can buy plastic replicas of owls and coyotes to places in or around your garden. One replica should do the trick, depending on the size of your plot.

3. Rubber snakes

Novelty stores and dollar stores sell rubber snakes. Mice, voles and chipmunks are terrified of snakes.

Natural ‘Chemicals’

4. Blood meal

Blood meal is a by-product commonly made by meat-packing plants. All animals, including rodents, are repelled by the scent. That’s because it indicates the presence of a predator. The high nitrogen content can burn the leaves; personally, I don’t like the idea of dried animal blood on my lettuce leaves.

5. Garlic and hot sauce

If they choose to taste one of your vegetables, they will quickly turn away and seek food that is not as harsh. Mash 10 garlic cloves and add a cup of hot sauce plus a pint of vinegar. Let it sit in the sun for a few days and apply to the base of plants with a hand spray bottle. Reapply after a heavy rain.

6. Human hair

The scent of human hair tells a varmint that a human is nearby. They may like our fruits and vegetables but they don’t like us.

7. Coffee grounds

You can sprinkle used coffee grounds around you garden and between your plants. In fact, coffee grounds make an excellent compost, and Starbucks likely will give you free bags of coffee grounds for composting. Because most rodents are so close to the ground, coffee grounds can make an excellent barrier.

Various Aromatic Herbs and Flowers

8. Sage is a strong smelling, aromatic herb that rodents simply don’t like.

9. Oregano. The great thing about oregano is that it’s a perennial plant. Plant the oregano around the perimeter and pick a spot in the center of your garden for an additional deterrent.

10. Basil is another winner when it comes to repelling rodents and works great in tomato-based recipes. It’s also an annual and very sensitive to any frost, so don’t abandon the oregano altogether.

11. Rosemary is another aromatic herb that repels animals. It’s also an exceptional herb for cooking. It’s a member of the pine family and is highly scented. It, too, is an annual in most parts of North America so you may have to replant in the Spring.

12. Lavender. The flowers are beautiful and the scent is delightful, unless you’re a rodent. They can’t stand the stuff. This is another perimeter plant you could consider. Or, interplant them with your vegetables.

Do you have any other tips for keeping rodents out of a garden? Let us know in the comments below!

Article Source: Off The Grid News