It is really frustrating when you spend a lot of time planting flowers or vegetables. Then you find out that cats from your neighborhood have made your garden their favorite place to play. Cats like to dig in the soil sleep between the plants and sometimes they leave behind things you do not want.. You do not have to use harsh methods to keep your garden safe. You can make a simple changes to encourage the cats to go somewhere else.
Why Cats Love Gardens
Gardens have everything that cats like. The soil is easy to dig in the plants give them shade. The quiet corners are perfect for resting. If you understand why cats come to your yard it will be easier for you to discourage them without hurting them.
Make the Soil Less Inviting to Cats
Cats like soil because it is easy to dig in. If you cover the soil with things it will be less appealing to cats.
You can try using:
* stones or gravel
* Pine cones around the plants
* Mulch with bark
* Small branches between the rows
* Wire mesh under the soil
These methods will help protect your plants and keep the cats from using your garden as a bathroom.
Grow Plants That Cats Do Not Like
Some plants have smells that cats do not like. If you plant these in your garden it might help keep the cats
Some good choices are:
* Lavender
* Rosemary
* Lemon thyme
* Rue
* Coleus canina
These plants will not help keep the cats away but they will also make your garden look nice and smell good.
Use Citrus Peels Around Your Garden Beds
Cats do not like the smell of citrus. If you put orange lemon or grapefruit peels around your flower beds it might keep the cats away.
You should replace the peels often to keep the smell fresh especially after it rains.
Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers
A motion-activated sprinkler is a good and humane way to keep cats away. When an animal comes into the area the sprinkler will spray water for a time. This will teach the cats that your garden’s not a comfortable place to be.
Add Physical Barriers to Keep Cats Out
Barriers can keep cats from getting to the parts of your garden that you do not want them to.
You can use:
* garden fences
* Plant cages
* Netting over the seedlings
* Raised beds with covers
This will work well for vegetable gardens and newly planted flowers.
Remove Things That Attract Cats to Your Garden
If there is food or a place for cats to hide they will keep coming.
* Keep your trash bins closed tightly.
* Do not leave food outside.
* Trim the shrubs that’re overgrown and give cats a place to hide.
* Clean your bird feeders often.
If you remove the things that attract cats they will probably go else.
Create a Special Area for the Neighborhood Cats
If there are a lot of cats in your neighborhood you might want to make a place for them away from your valuable plants. A small patch of sand or loose soil in a corner of your yard might encourage them to use that area
This way you can live peacefully with the cats. Still keep your garden safe.
Avoid Using Harmful Things
Never use things that can hurt animals. It is better to use methods that are safe for pets, wildlife and children. These methods usually work better in the run.
Final Thoughts
Keeping cats out of your garden does not have to be a fight. If you use a gentle methods like barriers, natural smells and motion-activated sprinklers you can keep your plants safe and still be kind, to the cats. If you are patient and consistent you can have a garden without any unwanted cats.