Prime Three Methods to Maintain Rodents and Backyard Munchers Away from Fall Planted Flower Bulbs

FlowerBulbs.com announces tips to stop garden growers from ruining spring gardens

PHILADELPHIA, September 15, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — As humans, we delight in the vibrant blooms of spring bulbs. Unfortunately, backyard rodents like mice, squirrels, chipmunks, voles, and groundhogs love tasty bulbs in the fall and blooms in the spring.

Luckily, there are simple tricks of the trade that can prevent eaters from ruining spring garden beds.

Create a physical barrier this fall
Spring bloomers like tulips, hyacinths, crocuses and daffodils are planted in the fall when hungry rodents are looking for an easy meal. Creating a barrier when planting bulbs makes it more difficult for unwanted grazing animals to dig at the bulbs. Ways to create a barrier include:

• Chicken Wire – After planting and covering the bulbs with soil, cut a piece of chicken wire or hardware to the size of the planted area. Secure the wire to the ground with landscaping pins or large rocks. This will deter burrowing animals from accessing the bulbs. Remember that the wire must be removed in the spring when the bulbs begin to grow.

• Gravel – For gardeners who struggle with voles and marmots, use sharp gravel under and around the bulbs. Start with gravel at the bottom of the hole, then put soil right around the bulbs. Finish with a layer of gravel around the bulb to create a protective shield. As a bonus, the gravel next to the bulbs will help with water drainage.

• Plant Deep – Most bulbs stand a better chance against critters when buried on the deeper side of their planting guide. It’s important to follow the package directions for hole depth, but if the directions indicate an area, plant according to the deeper measurement. If no planting depth is specified on the packaging, the general rule is to plant 2-3 times the length of the bulb. Be sure to pack the soil over the bulbs to make it harder for burrowing pests to reach them. Using an auger makes deep planting much easier and faster.

The story goes on

Deter pests by masking scents
Rodents are often attracted to newly planted bulbs because they can smell them or feel the disturbed soil. They are also drawn to the fragrant blooms in spring. Mask these scents with strategic plants or repellents.

• Proper Blending – This fall, try blending onions that are tasteless to rodents. Pairing tulips and crocuses — two Grazer favorites — with daffodils, fritillaria or hyacinths, which rodents tend to avoid, may deter hungry animals from munching on the bulbs and blossoms in spring.

• Clean Up – One of the main clues to hungry rodents that onions are nearby is the churned up soil and debris left behind. When you’re done planting this fall, clean up the area and remove any papery bulb skins, packaging, or other debris that may carry the smell of the newly planted bulbs.

• Repellents – After the bulbs emerge in spring, try repellents. There are many all-natural repellents available at garden centers and retailers that are effective at keeping small mammals at bay. Typically, they have an unpleasant odor for the rodents, which discourages them from snacking. Online resources may suggest at-home repellents of varying effectiveness, but your best bet is to look for a commercial product and use it according to the label directions.

Plant chew-resistant spring bloomers

Sometimes the easiest thing to do is resist temptation. There are many beautiful, easy-to-grow spring flowering bulbs that will be shunned by garden pastures. Also, many of these bulbs will naturalize over time and are perfect for flower bulb lawns. The most popular include:

• Daffodils – Narcissus Hyacinths

• Fritillaria meleagris – Checkered Lily

• Fritillaria imperialis – Crown Imperial

• Hyacinth – hyacinths

• Allium – ornamental onion

• Galanthus—Snowdrops

• Scylla—Squill

• Muscari – grape hyacinth

• Chionodoxa – glory of snow

• Leucojum sp. – snowflake

• Hyacinthoides hispanica – Spanish bluebells

• Ipheion uniflora – Spring Star Flower

• Eranthis hiemalis—Winterling

Try a combination of these tips this fall and have peace of mind knowing the garden is safe from rodents and other small mammals. For gardeners struggling with larger mammals like deer, check out these tips for planting a deer-resistant bulb garden. Enjoy a spring full of bright colors and textures with confidence.

Visit FlowerBulbs.com for more information and inspirational videos.

This campaign is funded with the help of the European Union.

Flowerbulbs.com is an advertising agency for the flower bulb industry. Their goal is to educate and inspire new and experienced gardeners. They don’t sell flower bulbs; They encourage consumers to visit their local retailer. High resolution images are available royalty free when credited to FlowerBulbs.com. Visit http://www.flowerbulbs.com for more information.

Garden Media Group specializes in the home, garden, horticulture, outdoor living, lawn and landscape industries. They offer innovative PR campaigns designed to secure top media placements and partnerships with traditional and social media. For gardening tips, new product announcements, and PR and marketing tips, visit http://www.gardenmediagroup.com.

media contact

Lindsay dayGarden Media Group, 6104443040, lindsay@gardenmediagroup.com

SOURCE Flowerbulbs.com