An outdoor expert has shared tactical ways to adapt your garden to deter foxes and badgers from digging up flower beds. Alex Dobson, garden and outdoor space expert at outdoor furniture supplier Charles & Ivy, recommends taking a targeted approach to the problem.
Mr Dobson said: "If animals are repeatedly digging in the same areas, don't try to protect the whole garden. Instead, create defined zones and protect the areas that could be ruined due to damage made by animals such as foxes or badgers."
Set your boundaries
Simple structural additions to your green space can help protect young plants. Mr Dobson suggests raised planters to shelter vulnerable bulbs and delicate roots, low decorative fences to create a "clear boundary" around flower beds without feeling overly enclosed, and extra fencing for larger borders and vegetable patches needing more protection.
Identify the culprit
Beyond physical barriers, gardeners should think about what is drawing wild visitors to the soil. Mr Dobson said: "It's also worth working out what is attracting the animals in the first place." Badgers often dig up lawns or soil looking for earthworms and grubs, whilst foxes can be attracted by food smells, fruit, unsecured bins, and some organic fertilisers made from animal parts.
Fertile for change
When stocking up on garden products, changes to usual purchases may help. The expert said: "If you have a fox or badger problem, avoid adding strongly scented animal-based fertilisers around vulnerable areas, as these can make the garden more interesting to wildlife. When it comes to fertilisers, a better alternative is plant-based fertilisers which contain ingredients such as seaweed and vegetables."
Let's be realistic
Newly planted bulbs are a prime target for curious animals, meaning homeowners need to manage their expectations. The expert said: "There is no completely badger-proof bulb, particularly if the animal is digging for food underneath it. Badgers have been known to eat bulbs, so if you often see badgers entering your garden space or in the local area, you should be realistic about the possibility of some unwanted digging." To give the garden the best chance, Mr Dobson suggests planting daffodils and alliums, which are naturally far less appealing to wildlife.
Rearrange your plants
Changing how plants are arranged can also make the soil harder to disturb. Mr Dobson said: "I'd keep particularly precious bulbs in containers or protected beds rather than relying on the plant itself to deter digging." Dense spacing can help: "Planting some flowers or plants close together can also help by reducing large areas of exposed soil, which are easier for animals to disturb." Adding a layer of mulch will cover fresh plants, but this alone won't stop burrowing badgers looking for a snack. Mr Dobson said: "For particularly vulnerable plants, combine mulch with a physical barrier. Decorative screening or low fencing can be used to protect a planting area while still keeping the garden looking neat and aesthetically pleasing."
