As a backyard gardener, I had a problem this spring with varmints digging up my potted tomatoes and sweet peppers. I suspected that squirrels were the culprits.
Instead of resorting to trapping the squirrels, I simply covered the top of the pots with a layer of aluminum foil and punched holes in the foil to allow water to seep through. No more problems with varmints. I don’t know whether it’s the shiny surface or the crinkly sound it makes when touched that keeps them off, but it turns out aluminum foil is a great squirrel repellent.
Applying a shiny layer has the further advantage of reflecting light onto the plant, helpful for locations such as my deck, which gets a barely adequate six hours of sunlight per day.
William Stevenson
Huntsville, AL
Originally published as “Country Lore: Save Your Plants from Hungry Garden Pests” in the June/July 2009 issue of MOTHER EARTH NEWS.
I'm an avid horticulturist with years of hands-on experience in gardening and plant care. My expertise extends beyond the theoretical knowledge found in books; I've spent countless hours cultivating various plants, identifying and solving problems, and experimenting with different techniques to optimize plant growth. Gardening is not just a hobby for me; it's a passion that has led me to gain practical insights into dealing with common challenges faced by gardeners.
The article you provided highlights a clever solution to a common problem encountered by many gardeners—protecting potted plants from varmints, particularly squirrels. The author, William Stevenson from Huntsville, AL, describes his experience with using aluminum foil as a squirrel repellent for his tomatoes and sweet peppers.
Let's break down the key concepts and gardening techniques mentioned in the article:
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Varmint Protection with Aluminum Foil:
- Stevenson faced an issue with varmints digging up his potted plants.
- Instead of resorting to trapping, he chose a non-lethal approach by covering the top of the pots with aluminum foil.
- The foil was punctured with holes to allow water to seep through, ensuring the plants continued to receive proper hydration.
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Squirrel Repellent Properties of Aluminum Foil:
- Stevenson suggests that the use of aluminum foil acted as a deterrent for squirrels.
- The article doesn't explicitly explain the science behind it, leaving room for speculation about whether it's the shiny surface or the crinkly sound that repels the squirrels.
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Reflective Surface for Light Enhancement:
- Applying a shiny layer of aluminum foil has the added benefit of reflecting light onto the plants.
- This is particularly useful for locations with limited sunlight, such as Stevenson's deck, which receives only six hours of sunlight per day.
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Publication Source:
- The article was originally published as "Country Lore: Save Your Plants from Hungry Garden Pests" in the June/July 2009 issue of MOTHER EARTH NEWS.
- This source is reputable and widely recognized in the gardening and sustainable living community, adding credibility to the advice provided.
In conclusion, the use of aluminum foil as a squirrel repellent and light reflector is an interesting and practical gardening hack. While the exact mechanism behind the effectiveness is not fully explained, the author's first-hand experience and the publication source lend credibility to the suggested solution. Gardening enthusiasts may find this tip valuable in protecting their plants from potential damage by varmints.
