Critters in the Garden and everywhere else

[Beeman]

What a year for gardening First it was the lack of rain, now I've got more animals destroying it then ever before. I've gardened in this spot for over 10 years and never had damage like this before. We've replanted corn so many times it might be cheaper to buy corn then seeds! Critters have even eaten tomatoe plants.
What do you use to keep animals out. I've never had to use anything but I guess I'll have to start now. It's a long way from an outlet but if I can find a 12v fence charger I might run electric, I'm not buying a solar charger for the garden.

We've had a lot of wildlife everywhere around here lately with bears even coming into cities like Knoxville. I've never seen a coon since I've lived here and we've trapped 3 this week.

[botebum]

Foil pie tins hanging in the breeze is simple. A .410 shotgun can be handy and cheap to use. Leg hold traps are helpfull as long as you don't have cats or dogs. Cats and dogs can also be a deterrent.
Where are you in east TN? My MIL lives in the Dandridge area(Chestnut Hill) and coons are everywhere!

Doug

[Tricky Grama]

I mixed up some garlic pepper tea to spray for bugs & when you strain out the solids you have a 'pile of mush' so I sprinkled/spread that around & it seems to deter pests.

Garlic pepper tea: 2 bulbs garlic, 2-4 habenero peppers blended in about 2 cups water. After straining, add this to enuf water to make a gallon. Squirt of dish soap helps & can add squirt of molasses & seaweed.

Patty

[Wolf mom]

I believe the reason the critters are attacking the garden & coming around houses is due to the draught. The rabbits even eat the bark off the pine trees here it's so dry.

Is there a way to leave water for them a way from your garden? A neighbour does that and says it helps protect her plants.

[Callieslamb]

Originally Posted by Wolf mom

I believe the reason the critters are attacking the garden & coming around houses is due to the draught. The rabbits even eat the bark off the pine trees here it's so dry.

I agree totally. I found two rabbits near my garden yesterday. There are four dogs running loose around here and the rabbits still came right in the yard. I think it is the drought making all the nice green plants wither - so the garden looks especially good to them.