Rabbits, Slugs and Deer
Tue, 07/14/2009 - 22:07 — Gretchen Lebuhn
I keep getting asked for advice about preventing rabbit, slug and deer damage. Do any of you fabulous gardeners have some non-toxic solutions? Please help!
Thanks,
Gretchen
Queen bee
re: Rabbits, Slugs, and Deer
I have tried sprinkling the leaves with cayanne pepper, but the squirrels are no longer bothered by it. I have wrapped the sunflower stems with strips of fabric at the height of the fence to keep the squirrels from being able to chew the stem. This has worked so far; however, I forgot to allow for widening of the stem as the plant grows.
I am really amazed at how resiliant this year's sunflowers are. When they lose a bud to a squirrel, they just shoot up another one.
I can't really offer any slug advice other than hand picking or beer. Or a sacrifice plant - they love dahlias.
My first sunflower bloomed over the weekend - at 8 feet tall I will have to climb a ladder to get any good pics. Am looking forward to looking for bees this weekend!
Nancy
Cincinnati, Ohio