My 'garden' consists of a balcony. i like to grow some veggies, shrubs and trees etc. in containers, because i refuse to admit i don't have a garden.
Last year I lost all my chestnuts and lavenders to squirrels, this year at least 5 tomato plants. It got to the point where you walk onto the balcony and the squirrel is sitting there with a nut in one hand, and a decapitated tomato plant in the other. Oh, and the mess they leave is outrageous.
Tried leaving the dog on the balcony. He says I don't pay him enough.
Tried moth balls. They stink, don't do anything, and I worry about poisoning 'innocent' critters.
Tried planting 'groundcover' lettuce and herbs - apparently very tasty for blue jays.
Tried cayenne pepper. No difference.
Will try dog hair next.
The main problem is my neighbours feeding them. I can throw rocks and the squirrels just go to check if its edible.
Anyhow, I've noticed they don't seem to dig in planters I emptied the coffee grinds into. It could be the extra watering compacted the soil, or it actually is the coffee.
Anyone notice that too? Or have other suggestions?
Getting a mean balcony cat is looking better and better.... But with my luck, the cat would probably end up fraternizing with the little pests...