humane way to keep animals from eating my garden?

[boredgame______]

I have a vegetable garden, it's my first one. I've noticed this morning someone's been nibbling at it. We have mostly squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, cats and occasional possums and skunks in my area. The sprays I found at the store were either inhumane, or 'not to be used on feed crops'.
Any ideas?

Comments

[sherarara]

When I only have a small space to garden in, I like to use chicken wire "cages" around the individual plants. It's about the only thing that mostly/sometimes keeps the squirrels out (and I would wager a guess that squirrels are your problem, rather than the other critters you mention).

[kumquatpie]

Rabbits can also be really problematic. I know they used to get into my Dad's garden: his strawberries, just about all the vegetables, etc.

[sherarara]

Well, yes, rabbits can be more than a bit of bother! *shakes a fist*

Really, it depends on whether you're having trouble with the small leaves or with the actual fruit. In any case, if you rig the chicken wire for squirrels, it rabbit-proofs as well.

[boredgame______]

That's a great idea. Yes, it's likely mostly the squirrels. There are many, and they can get bold! I imagine I can buy the wire at a garden store, or even a tractor store (chicken wire)?
Thank you =)
ps: great avatar haha

[emmalovessasha]

doesn't sound like insects and that's good b/c that can be more complicated.

you can try sprinkling human or dog hair around your veggies (most animals don't like the smell and snails and slugs stay away b/c the hair sticks to them)

you can also have a male friend pee around the perimeter occasionally, animals hate that too.

planting marigolds in the garden helps with bugs and animals b/c they have a strong smell

I have also heard of sprinkling cayenne pepper or cinnamon on the leaves

and off topic......omg! i love your domain pic. that movie is my FAVORITE from when I was a kid

[sherarara]

Ah, yes, cayenne! I've actually had quite good luck with this in the past; just be careful when you're picking your veggies ;)

[boredgame______]

thank you! It's still my favorite movie ^^
I'm definitely trying the cayenne pepper, thanks. We have cats, so I'll throw their hair out there too. I did plant marigolds around the perimeter, but a recent hail storm beat them up pretty bad =(

Thank you!

[supercarrot]

not to mention pee is a great fertilizer. *looks guilty* ... :-)

i collect my own and dilute it 5:1 to 10:1 (roughly translates to 1.5 to 3 cups/gallon of water)

http://www.howtodothings.com/home-garden/how-to-use-urine-as-a-fertilizer

it's so environmentally friendly and perfectly safe.

[lesbianic]

This site has some non-poisonous animal repellants: http://www.planetnatural.com/site/search_engine.html?show_all=1&prod_group=Natural%20Pest%20Control&category=Barriers%20%26%20Repellents

I've used some of their products in the past with great results.

[boredgame______]

Thank you!^^

[supercarrot]

oh! i'm gonna link to your veganism post since there's good info there too. (for future visitors to this post)
http://community.livejournal.com/veganism/1320566.html