If you’re passionate about gardening, you’ll understand that creating a beautiful outdoor space requires a lot of time and dedication. That’s why it’s incredibly frustrating when you peer outside to discover that some uninvited guests have been digging up your garden.
Cats, squirrels, rabbits and deer are all well-known for attempting to reach your underground bulbs, wreaking havoc on your garden whilst doing so. If you’re getting ready to plant your spring-blooming bulbs for the coming year, there’s one piece of advice from a pro gardener you’ll definitely want to hear about.
TikTok gardening specialist Michael Griffiths says you can add one kitchen essential which helps to repel pests safely.
If you want to ward off pests from your garden bulbs using a natural, non-toxic method, then according to Michael, all you require is some chilli powder. Discovered in numerous people’s kitchen cupboards or spice collections, this essential ingredient can be scattered throughout your garden whilst planting bulbs to help prevent unwanted creatures from nosing about, reports the Express.
If you’re still to plant your spring bulbs, one thing can help to keep pests away -Credit:Getty Images/iStockphoto
In a recent TikTok clip, Michael demonstrated exactly what gardeners must do to implement this technique safely and successfully. He explained: “If pests are always digging up your bulbs, here’s how to stop them using one simple ingredient.”
He went on: “When planting bulbs, I like to add a pinch of heat to deter any pests.”
Showing a clip of himself preparing bulbs for planting in a container, Michael said that capsicum or hot chilli powder can be utilised to shield your garden from being disturbed. You’ll need to scatter it straight onto the bulbs, then add more into the planting hole.
Michael said: “It won’t hurt the bulbs or mess with your spring displays. Finally, backfill the hole and add a dusting [of chilli] on top, any pest will take one whiff and decide it’s not worth the bother.”
He pointed out that this technique ‘works brilliantly’ against rabbits, squirrels and deer.
The specialists at Homes and Gardens confirm that smaller nuisances like slugs and snails also hate chilli.
For established plants requiring protection, you can create a spray mixture by combining one tablespoon of washing-up liquid with two tablespoons of cayenne pepper in a water-filled bottle.
The specialists explained: “Using this solution, spray the lower leaves of plants that are attractive to slugs and snails. The dish soap will help the spicy solution to stick to the foliage. Spraying only the lower leaves and stems will help to prevent slugs and snails from reaching new, young leaves as they unfurl.”
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