Gardening can be incredibly fulfilling and bring with it all sorts of rewards... But, if you are a pet owner, it can bring just as many headaches as it does benefits, particularly if you have a dog who has a love of digging. In fact, they can be as bad, if not worse, than plenty of common garden pests you already have to protect against!
Shiloh Young , a TikTok creator and professional gardener from the heart of Nebraska, understands this struggle all too well. That is why Shiloh recently dished on three innovative hacks to keep your dog from turning your garden into a personal playground.
It turns out, one of the best solutions to your digging dilemma might just be as beautiful as it is effective. Marigolds , with their stunningly gorgeous orange and yellow blooms, are not only a feast for the eyes but also possess a secret weapon against canine intruders. "The smell of marigolds is extremely pungent and off-putting to a dog’s sensitive snout," Shiloh explains. Planting a perimeter of these bright flowers around your garden beds can create a natural barrier that discourages curious canines from crossing over. And as an added bonus, marigolds are known to repel other garden pests as well!
Related: Man Shares Why He Adds Marigolds to His Tomato Garden Every Year
Next up we are going to look at some oranges. Or rather, orange peels! Dogs, as it turns out, are not fans of the citrus scent. " Citrus peels are bitter to taste and release a potent odor that dogs can’t stand," says Shiloh. By scattering citrus peels around your garden beds, you're leveraging a natural, eco-friendly deterrent that keeps your dog away while adding beneficial nutrients to your soil as they decompose. It's a win-win situation for your garden's health and integrity.
For those dog owners dealing with particularly stubborn diggers, Shiloh recommends turning up the heat—literally. "Red pepper flakes sprinkled on your soil can keep your dogs from digging because the spice gets in their nose and irritates the senses." This method should be used carefully so that you don't hurt your furry friend. You should only sprinkle enough to create a deterrent that will nudge them away from your precious plants.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener facing the canine conundrum or a new pet parent with a burgeoning green space, these tips from the heart of Nebraska offer practical, natural solutions to keep your garden flourishing and your dog content. Remember, the goal is not just to protect our plants but to foster an environment where both our botanical and furry family members can thrive together.
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