Plants and animals are essential on this planet for maintaining the balance of our ecological system. But on a more personal level, having pets at home and plants in your garden proves to be beneficial for a handful of reasons.
For one, having pets around your house can be good for your physical and mental health. Whether dogs or cats, they can keep you company, ease your sadness, reduce your stress, and provide comfort. They can also make you happy and keep you physically active.
On the other hand, outdoor planting can be good for your overall health and well-being. Also, fruit-bearing trees can provide shade and quality air, while shrubs with blooms can beautify your garden. Lastly, herbs and vegetables can put food on your table.
But what about having both plants and pets in your garden? It can be a disaster, as pets tend to destroy plants and ruin your garden. That said, here’s how to protect your plants from your pets:
1. Install fences and set plant barriers
When it comes to protecting your shrubs, blooms, and vegetation, fencing can be your best bet. You can install a fence around your garden that will prevent your dogs or cats from crossing in. For instance, have a timber fence around your vegetable garden that will stop your pets from feeding on them. But if this can strictly confine your garden, there’s another approach. You can set barriers for fragile plants while leaving sturdy shrubs and tall trees completely free.
2. Have a garden in pots and elevated beds
Another approach for plant protection from pets is to put some shrubs in pots and have elevated beds. For one, choose sensitive plants and flowers that ought to be grown in pots. These pots can raise your plants to stop your dogs or cats from sitting or lying on them. Also, consider installing elevated beds, where you can plant and grow herbs and vegetables. Make these beds two feet or taller, and that can prevent your furry members from nibbling them.
3. Grow herbs with a pungent smell
There’s another trick that can shoo your pets away from your garden. And that is to grow herbs with a strong aroma. It’s a wonder how certain plants with pungent smells can keep some animals away. Think of natural deterrents that can drive mosquitoes and unwanted critters. Consider garlic, rosemary, and oregano that can deter deer and rabbits from getting into your garden. Even cats and dogs don’t like the odor of rosemary and sage. Hence, plant herbs with a pungent smell and solve the problem!
4. Put thorny branches on soft ground
As a gardener, there’s a need to pay attention to the soft ground in your garden. While this soil is ideal for planting, it can be vulnerable to mischievous pets. Chances are furry family members will use their paws and ruin your garden. As such, it can be difficult for you to throw some seeds or plant some shrubs. Hence, make sure to put thorny branches on the soft ground to prevent your pets from messing with your soil.
5. Lay and spread coffee grounds on seeded beds
Aside from the pet control method mentioned above, you can use coffee grounds instead of thorny branches. Use these particularly for your seeded beds. All it takes is to lay and spread the coffee grounds on the beds. They work best in shooing away your cats and dogs. From there, expect your seeds to turn into healthy shrubs in your garden.
6. Teach and train your pets
What’s good about pet ownership is that you can teach your furry family members to behave. Think of cats that are wise and dogs that are loyal to their masters. As such, train your pets to follow orders from you. Make it a habit to shoo them away from your garden. In fact, you can go as far as investing in a dog behavior modification program. While you’re at it, inform your hired trainer on how to stop your pets from messing with your garden.
7. Set a playground for your pets
The last on the list for pet control and plant protection is to set a playground for your pets. While having an outdoor space for your garden, consider having a dedicated area for your pets. You can set up a playground for them. From there, teach your pets to play in this outdoor area instead of going to the garden. Your pets will eventually know where to play and what to avoid.
At this point, you now know what it takes to pet-proof your garden. Consider the practical tips recommended above, from installing fences to setting plant barriers to setting a playground for your pets. Ultimately, taking care of both your plants and pets is imperative. Protect your beautiful plants from your lovely pets, and that can make a world of difference in your garden.
