24-06 - Flipbook - Page 22
Mi n i str i es
Pest control
We all know how annoying it is when some unwanted thing starts chewing holes through
your tomatoes or damaging your squash
patch. And when you9re trying to grow a garden or work on your homestead, those problems can multiply to the point of painful frustration. Thankfully, there are many different ways
you can keep your garden safe and sound
from any pests.
Here are some tips to keep rabbits and squirrels
out of your garden. There are many different
types of garden pests, such as insects and other animals, but I just want to focus on these
two, since they are some of the most widespread nuisances4at least, in America.
Rabbits
Thankfully, rabbits in America can9t dig burrows, so they just make nests on the ground.
Also, they don9t jump very high, so you don9t
have to worry about three-foot-tall fences to
keep out the little cottontails. Usually, planting
your crops in raised beds should do the trick at
keeping them away from your vegetables.
And if you don9t use raised beds, even a fence
one or two feet high would be enough! Put
cages around the plants that they would be
most likely to get at, and you should be good
to go.
Secondly, repellents are usually effective4the
more natural, the better. There are many kinds
of specialized rabbit repellents you can find in
stores and online, so make sure to do your research on effectiveness and price. Also, scents
that they hate are effective, from blood meal
to dog fur. Make sure that whatever you put
down isn9t toxic to any household pets, or that
you keep them well away from your methods.
Lastly, it never hurts to coexist! If you don9t
mind keeping rabbits around (maybe because
they9re too cute), plant a patch of grass and
flowers4well away from your garden4that
they would like! And if you really don9t want
rabbits around, live traps are perfect for those
who prefer the catch-and-release method.
Squirrels
Squirrels are more annoying, not only because
can they climb just about any fence or barrier
you put up, but they can also chew through
some protective measures4if they are so inclined. And they have a serious tendency to
raid bird feeders and dig up nuts, seeds, and
Phoebe Hines
roots you might have just planted. So, unlike
with rabbits, don9t count on any fences to be a
100% sure method to keep them out.
Natural repellents should work. Things like predator urine or ground-up spicy peppers should
help a great deal with keeping squirrels away
from your crops. And for your bird feeders, toss
in a bit of cayenne pepper. It9ll deter squirrels
from raiding them, without hurting the birds.
Finally, it never hurts to get a dog (or more).
Having at least one canine guard, especially if
they are properly trained, should help to keep
squirrels well away from your gardens. A bonus
is that you can also use their fur as extra repellant! Just scatter it around your plants, and the
scent should do enough to keep the critters
away. Also, for those who aren9t opposed to
hunting, a pellet gun, BB gun, air rifle, or similar
weapon will give you an edge in cutting down
the numbers. But be careful! Squirrels are annoyingly fast learners, and have the capability
to memorize your tactics.
Final Tips
Yes, I know many more pests could have been
mentioned. Deer are a sore spot for those settling further north and in the woods, especially
since most of them can easily clear the fourfoot fences many people would think to put
up. Other critters like gophers, moles, badgers,
groundhogs, and the like are also a serious
problem. And don9t get me started on the insects! There are hundreds of species of insects
that prey on crops and garden plants, and just
about as many methods to kill and repel them.
Do your own research. Study which plants
should be grouped for the most effective pest
control. Plant your herbs in raised beds and
your trees on the right sides of your house.
Keep an eye out for any signs of infestation. But
above all, pray. If you find yourself overrun with
problems, ask God to send some help in whatever form He sees best. And trust that He will
restore to you what the locusts ate4literally.
Who knows? He may provide a greater harvest
than previously expected, or someone might
hand you a bag of fresh produce from their
garden. Always remember to ask God for advice when doing His will.
Sources
https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/
a26078565/rabbit-garden-repellents/
https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/
a26080583/squirrel-garden-repellents/
