As the final days of December offer a last chance to plant spring bulbs, gardeners across the UK face a common foe: the hungry squirrel. These furry raiders can decimate a carefully planned floral display before it even begins. Fortunately, a gardening expert has shared several surprisingly simple and humane methods to protect your bulbs, with one clever solution involving a common kitchen cupboard staple.
The Chilli Flake Defence: A Spicy Solution
Gardening expert and TikTok creator Ish has outlined straightforward techniques to safeguard your garden. One of the most effective involves using chilli flakes or powder sprinkled directly onto the soil where bulbs are planted. Ish explains that squirrels will encounter the chilli first, take an unpleasant taste, and be deterred from returning to dig up the bulbs.
The secret lies in a compound called capsaicin. This natural chemical triggers pain receptors in mammals, creating a burning sensation that squirrels find highly uncomfortable. When they sniff or taste the chilli, it irritates their nasal passages and mouths, teaching them to avoid the treated area.
This method is also endorsed by publications like Ideal Home, which recommends using chilli flakes in bird feeders to stop squirrels pilfering food. Interestingly, birds are unaffected as their taste receptors differ from mammals and do not react to capsaicin's heat.
Beyond Bulbs: A Versatile Garden Protector
The use of chilli isn't limited to deterring squirrels. Conservation scientist Dr Emily Lambert, co-founder of Seedball, confirms that chilli powder can protect germinating seeds and plants from other problematic pests like slugs and snails.
For a more targeted application, Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens, suggests making a chilli powder spray. Mix a tablespoon of dish soap with two teaspoons of chilli powder in water, pour it into a spray bottle, and apply it to the lower leaves of plants under attack. This creates a protective barrier that deters molluscs without harming the plants.
Alternative Tactics for a Squirrel-Free Garden
If scattering chilli flakes isn't to your liking, Ish proposes other effective strategies. One involves covering newly planted bulbs with a layer of mesh netting. As the plants grow, they will push through the gaps, and the netting can be removed once the bulbs are established and less tempting.
Another humane approach is distraction. By placing a small feeding dish filled with nuts and seeds near your planted pots, you can divert the squirrels' attention away from your precious bulbs, offering them an easier and more appealing food source.
With these simple, cost-effective methods, UK gardeners can now plant their spring bulbs with confidence, looking forward to a vibrant and undisturbed floral display when the warmer weather arrives.
