Repel Squirrels From Your Garden With A Plant They Can't Stand

As adorable as they may be from afar, a squirrel is not a gardener's best friend. These small, furry rodents can destroy your plants, dig out your flower bulbs, and even pluck fruit from your trees, making them a pest many want to deter from their yards at all costs. However, it can be difficult to avert these fast-moving, ambitious creatures from your property. Unlike other pests, like insects, you can't just spray an insecticide and hope for the best. Sure, there are squirrel traps, but those aren't always viable options either. Instead, you may want to try some more natural methods, including planting bulbs in your garden that squirrels tend to hate. One of those despised plants is the hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis). If you struggle with squirrels digging in your garden and removing the bulbs you just planted, it might be time to try this hack.

Hyacinths are one of the bulbs that squirrels generally avoid, along with other flowers like daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) and snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis). Thanks to their strong smell and bitter taste, hyacinths are not popular with squirrels and will typically be avoided. Unlike tulips, which squirrels love, hyacinth bulbs may help stop the squirrels from digging further in your garden. The best place to plant these bulbs would be around the edge of your garden, as well as near any plants or freshly-planted bulbs you want to specifically protect from squirrels. 

Hyacinths are known for their easy-going demeanor, their pleasant aroma, and their bold, beautiful blossoms. Plus, they can help ward off squirrels from digging up your garden. The bulbs of these hardy perennials should ideally be planted in your garden in the fall. In general, they should be buried before your ground freezes. However, you can plant hyacinth bulbs in the spring under the correct conditions. They thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9 and require at least 12 to 14 weeks of cold before planting. If you live in a warmer climate like Zone 3, you may need to simulate winter conditions and cool them yourself. During this period, make sure to keep your hyacinth bulbs from being destroyed by mold by implementing proper storage methods.

The best way to care for hyacinths is to ensure they are planted in a spot that receives direct, full sunlight, though they can also be grown in partial shade. They also thrive in slightly acidic, well-draining soil, ideally within the range of 6.5 to 7.0 on the pH scale. To utilize your hyacinth bulbs to prevent squirrels from the rest of your garden, it's recommended to plant them around the edges of your garden. To properly plant these bulbs into your soil, make sure to bury them at least 4 to 5 inches deep and 5 to 6 inches away from each other. Also ensure they are placed with the roots pointing down. Cover the bulbs with soil and give them a good water. Your bulbs should start to bloom in early spring, around March and April. Since squirrels dislike the taste, these bulbs should be safe from becoming a snack.