A Simple Trick That'll Stop Squirrels From Eating Your Fruit And Vegetable Garden

Squirrels often get a bad rap. Gardeners do not want them in the yard, much less the veggie patch, and birders are always rigging up elaborate contraptions to keep them off feeders. Once summer hits, it can seem like no juicy tomato or plump peach is safe. But here's the thing: those squirrels might not be dipping into your produce spoils because they taste good — they could just be thirsty. A surprisingly effective way to keep these cute but annoying critters out of your garden is to give them access to fresh water. If they have a consistent place to hydrate, they will be far less likely to target the produce you worked so hard to grow. Also, by meeting their need for moisture, you are essentially making your garden less appealing to uninvited guests.

The reason this trick works so well is because there are plenty of fruits and veggies (tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, berries, and so on) that are packed with water. When squirrels are parched, your garden becomes a hydration pitstop. Rather than resorting to fencing or other deterrents to keep them out, place a shallow bowl of water near the plants you do not want them to eat. It is a simple, humane solution that can reduce damage without escalating conflict. And in a season where every saved strawberry counts, giving squirrels a drink could be your easiest win yet.

Putting this garden hack into practice is easy. All you need is a shallow container: an old pie tin, plant saucer, or even a plastic takeout container will work. However, since you are placing it next to the very thing you don't want the squirrels to touch, there is a chance that they will see it as an invitation. Although not a popular choice, another idea is to set up a dedicated food and water station for them. Place it in a quiet, shaded area of your yard — near squirrel activity, but away from your garden beds. This attracts them to the water source before they head for your tomatoes. Refill the dish with clean water daily, especially during hotter temperatures or drought conditions. If you have a large yard or lots of wildlife traffic, consider setting out multiple water stations. Just be sure the containers are low enough for squirrels to reach and place a rock or stick inside for birds or bees to land on safely.

This method works best if you start early in the growing season and keep the water source consistent. Think of it like taking care of a birdbath — except it is a peace offering for the creatures that normally drive you nuts. They may come to rely on their "restaurant" and leave your garden bounty alone. However, if this approach does not deter them, combine it with other hacks like planting decoy crops, using scent deterrents like cinnamon or apple cider vinegar, or setting up motion-activated sprinklers. But for many gardeners, the water trick alone brings surprising relief.