Gardeners frustrated by foxes and badgers digging up flower beds can deter the animals with a simple change to their soil and garden layout, according to an outdoor expert. Alex Dobson, garden and outdoor space expert at outdoor furniture supplier Charles & Ivy, said a tactical approach is needed rather than trying to protect the entire garden.
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."
Clear boundaries
The expert recommended several subtle changes to protect young flowers, including raised planters, which are especially good for vulnerable bulbs and plants, and low decorative fences that create a "clear boundary" around a flower bed without making the garden feel closed off. For larger areas, fencing can help protect borders and vegetable patches.
Identify the culprit
Alongside preventative measures, gardeners should consider what attracts foxes and badgers in the first place. 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."
A better alternative
A simple change of products could make a green space less compelling to wildlife. He explained: "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."
Hungry visitors may still be drawn to planted bulbs, and Dobson noted: "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." He recommends daffodils and alliums, as they are generally less appealing to wildlife than other bulbs.
Badger proof your bulbs
Arranging bulbs carefully can also help. The outdoor specialist said: "I’d keep particularly precious bulbs in containers or protected beds rather than relying on the plant itself to deter digging. Planting some flowers or plants close together can also help by reducing large areas of exposed soil, which are easier for animals to disturb."
Covering new plants with a thick layer of mulch can make it "less obvious" there are new additions, but Dobson said this alone would not stop a determined badger. He 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."
