How to Keep Dogs Out of Your Garden

How to Keep Dogs Out of Your Garden

You have worked long and hard on your garden this spring and summer. You hard work has paid off; you have a beautiful garden and / or delicious and fragrant herbs and vegetables to eat. Your dog also likes to eat them, sniff around and dig in the dirt.

Here are a few tips on ways to keep your canine pals out of your garden and plants:

• Fencing – Putting a fence around your garden is a great option if it is in your budget. You can use chicken wire if necessary. This will usually keep dogs out, unless they can jump over it or dig underneath it. Make sure it is high enough so they cannot jump over. You can also try invisible fencing.
• Moth crystals – Sprinkle moth crystals around your plants, this will keep dogs at bay. If you have children, make sure to cover the crystals with dirt.
• Chemical options – If you are not opposed to using chemicals in your garden, they have varieties that are designed to keep pets out of your garden and plant area.
• Alum powder – Sprinkle alum powder around plants your dog likes to dig up, this is safe for pets but will keep them out. It has many uses in the human world as well.
• Mousetraps – If your furry friend likes to dig in a particular spot, place a mousetrap upside down in the area. This will startle your pet if they try to dig in the area.
• Pine or Evergreen – Place pine or evergreen cones in pots that your dog likes to dig in.
• Cotton ball dipped in oil – Dip a cotton ball dipped in oil of cloves just below the surface of the dirt in your flowerpots.
• Stakes – Place short stakes or stick throughout your flower garden to keep your dog from lying down and smashing the flowers or other plants.
• Wire mesh – Place this over the soil part of potted plants to deter digging.
• Motion activated sprinkler – A surprising burst of water will keep all animals out.
• Create a special space – Create a place where your dogs can play, dig and happily roll around. You can dig a hole, fill it with some sand or dirt and put some of their toys there for them to play with. This may deter them from getting into your special space.

Keeping your flowerpots and garden pet free is part of being a gardener. Try not to get too frustrated if your first attempt does not work. You know your dog better than anyone else, use your best guess about what will keep them from destroying your hard work.