Keep Squirrels Out Of The Garden With An Easy-To-Grow Flower They Can't Stand

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Squirrels are cute, sure, but for gardeners, they are often more trouble than they're worth. They are notorious for digging up bulbs, biting into fruits, and chewing through stems. Squirrels can leave a trail of damage in both vegetable and flower beds. Yet there is one flower that may just tip the balance back in your favor — marigolds (Tagetes spp.).

Marigolds are especially useful when planted as borders around garden beds. These beautiful flowers can brighten up your garden and emit a strong scent that squirrels oddly find repulsive. This distinctive smell disrupts a squirrel's sensitive nose, which it relies on to locate food like hidden bulbs and ripening vegetables. The smell of marigolds can also mask the scent of these desirable plants, making it harder for squirrels to find and dig them up. This is especially helpful from spring to the middle of summer (also a great time to grow marigolds), when squirrel activity tends to peak and they start gathering additional nuts to prepare for winter. And the many benefits of planting marigolds in your garden don't stop there — they're non-toxic, easy to grow, and bloom for months.

This natural line of defense can be paired with other humane deterrents, like mulch layers, to boost effectiveness. And since marigolds are non-toxic and safe for households with pets or children, they offer a chemical-free way to enhance both your garden's look and protection. Once established, they require minimal maintenance and will bloom throughout the season.

Marigolds are a go-to for beginner and experienced gardeners alike, not just for their beauty but also for their ease of care. To grow a marigold, choose a sunny spot — these flowers thrive in full sun and need at least six hours of light per day. Start with seeds or transplants and space them about 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on the variety. Once they're established, marigolds are fairly drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering and occasional deadheading to prolong blooming.

Use marigolds strategically by interplanting them between rows of vegetables or near fruiting plants that squirrels tend to target. In containers, marigolds make great companions for tomatoes, peppers, and herbs.

To make the most of their repellant properties, combine marigolds with other squirrel-repelling plants like mint or nasturtiums. This layering of odors creates a stronger barrier against curious noses. Keep the area tidy and avoid leaving out food scraps, as this will help maintain the effectiveness of the plant-based deterrents. While no method guarantees complete squirrel prevention, marigolds are an affordable and attractive tool in your pest control toolkit.