Milk: Spray 1 part milk to 3 parts water onto plants to deter deer. [2] X Research source Soap: Grate a bar of Irish Spring soap and create a ring around plants to keep away animals like chipmunks and deer. [3] X Research source Fox urine: Sprinkle granules of fox urine onto the ground to scare off animals like squirrels, rats, skunks, and chipmunks. [4] X Research source

Wire plant protector: A netted dome that can be placed over edible goodies, like lettuce, to keep any animals from gnawing on them. Also known as a “cloche. " Seedling plant protector: A rigid mesh tube that deters animals like rabbits and deer from chewing on tall plants. Plant cover: A tiny tent made out of a tarp-like material. A plant cover conceals rows of plants so pests can’t see or eat them. Mini garden greenhouse: A portable greenhouse that you can assemble quickly. Some even have shelves that offer vertical storage. A great solution to block pests from a wide variety of potted greenery.

For an added boost that’ll provide even more protection, invest in an elevated planter or a planter with stilts.

Tough and chewy leaves, such as lamb’s ears[9] X Research source Strong smelling herbs and vegetables, such as sage and lavender[10] X Research source Poisonous flowers, such as daffodils and foxgloves. [11] X Research source Just don’t grow these if you have pets or children![12] X Research source

Deer: Missing leaves, black pellets, tracks[13] X Research source Grow plants deer don’t like, such as flowers that are toxic to them (daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies) or too smelly (peonies and irises), as well as fragrant herbs (lavender and sage). [14] X Research source Rabbits: Pea-sized droppings, holes in the ground, tufts of fur[15] X Trustworthy Source Royal Horticultural Society Leading gardening charity in the U. K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Go to source Fence and net small plants, roll chicken wire around large plants, block places where they can burrow (brush, shrubs, tall grass, and rock piles), scare them with flashing lights or fake owls. [16] X Research source Squirrels: Shallow holes, bite marks on plants, missing fruits and veggies[17] X Research source Clean up fallen fruit and veggies, fully close lids on compost and garbage bins, coat plants with hot pepper spray, peppermint oil, or vinegar. [18] X Research source Mice: Small brown droppings, openings to underground tunnels[19] X Research source Swap mulch that mice like to nest in for wood chips, leave a cat out, plant mint[20] X Research source Skunks: Musky smells, shallow holes, damaged leaves[21] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Fill their “den” holes with leaves, straw, or kitty litter, scare them off with light or noise[22] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Opossums: Scratch marks on garbage cans, foul smells, missing produce[23] X Research source Install fencing, place garlic in your yard, remove overripe fruits and veggies from your garden[24] X Research source Raccoons: Lots of holes in your garden or mulch piles, empty bird feeders[25] X Research source Set raccoon traps, scatter blood meal around your garden, apply a mix of garlic and chili powder onto your plants[26] X Research source Birds: Torn up grass, stray feathers, piles of droppings, gatherings of birds[27] X Trustworthy Source Missouri Botanical Garden Oldest botanical garden in the U. S. and center for botanical research and science education Go to source Cast a net over your plants, set down a scarecrow or a “screech owl” in your garden to scare birds, pour whiskey onto the ground as tasty distraction[28] X Research source

Grow plants deer don’t like, such as flowers that are toxic to them (daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies) or too smelly (peonies and irises), as well as fragrant herbs (lavender and sage). [14] X Research source

Fence and net small plants, roll chicken wire around large plants, block places where they can burrow (brush, shrubs, tall grass, and rock piles), scare them with flashing lights or fake owls. [16] X Research source

Clean up fallen fruit and veggies, fully close lids on compost and garbage bins, coat plants with hot pepper spray, peppermint oil, or vinegar. [18] X Research source

Swap mulch that mice like to nest in for wood chips, leave a cat out, plant mint[20] X Research source

Fill their “den” holes with leaves, straw, or kitty litter, scare them off with light or noise[22] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source

Install fencing, place garlic in your yard, remove overripe fruits and veggies from your garden[24] X Research source

Set raccoon traps, scatter blood meal around your garden, apply a mix of garlic and chili powder onto your plants[26] X Research source

Cast a net over your plants, set down a scarecrow or a “screech owl” in your garden to scare birds, pour whiskey onto the ground as tasty distraction[28] X Research source

A solar, ultrasonic animal repellent with flashing lights An owl decoy with reflective tape or one with a rotating head A realistic feathered crow decoy Some sonic spikes to deter snakes, gophers, and moles

Consider a guard dog that fiercely protects its territory but is also super easygoing with your friends and family members—for example, adopt a breed like a German Shepherd. Bring home a cat that loves to hunt rodents, like a short-haired Siamese cat or a fluffy but imposing Maine Coon. [31] X Research source

Aim to keep random grasses, weeds, and shrubs on the outer edges of your garden. When pests dine on them in these spots, they’re a lot less likely to make their way to the middle of your yard where all your favorite plants are.

Remember—no matter what, losing crops or getting them damaged is really normal whenever you’re farming or gardening. Celebrate the goodies you are able to collect!

Just check that your fruits, veggies, flowers, or herbs get enough light and can thrive indoors!