Johann Hunt
Are squirrels unwelcomed guests in your garden, munching on your cherished plants? While their antics can be entertaining, their appetite for your blooms can be frustrating. But don’t worry! You can outsmart them by choosing the right plants. Here are 15 plant options that deter squirrels. Say goodbye to chasing squirrels, and hello to a thriving garden!
Daffodils
Squirrels might love your bird feeders, but they don’t seem keen on daffodils. These cheery yellow blooms contain a chemical called lycorine, which is toxic to squirrels. Planting daffodils around your garden’s perimeter is like putting up a bright yellow “No Trespassing” sign for the little critters.
Alliums
Alliums—those striking, globe-like flowers aren’t just pretty; they’re potent squirrel repellers. With their strong, onion-like scent, alliums send squirrels packing, keeping your bulbs safe from being dug up and munched on. Try planting them between your other veggies or flowers to create a natural barrier.
Marigolds
These sunny, bright flowers might look inviting. However, squirrels can’t stand their smell. Marigolds emit a strong fragrance that squirrels find unpleasant. They make for great borders around vegetable gardens, protecting your greens while adding a splash of color. Marigolds are also great for repelling other pests, like aphids and mosquitoes.
Fritillaries
The checkered petals of fritillaries are striking, but what really makes these flowers special is their ability to deter squirrels. Fritillaries contain compounds that give off a musky, skunky odor that squirrels would rather avoid. They bloom in early spring, so plant them in the fall to get a head start on protecting your garden.
Lavender
Lavender is a great addition to your garden if you like to attract bees and butterflies while keeping the squirrels at bay. This fragrant herb acts as a natural deterrent to these furry foragers. It’s a win-win—you get a garden full of aromatic beauty, and the squirrels stay far, far away.
Hyacinths
With their striking colors and sweet scent, hyacinths are a spring favorite. These flowers contain compounds that are mildly toxic to squirrels, making them an ideal choice for protecting your garden from being nibbled on. Plant hyacinths along with other spring bulbs to create a beautiful, squirrel-proof display in your garden.
Peppermint
Squirrels have a sweet tooth, but the strong, minty scent of peppermint sends them scurrying in the opposite direction. Plant peppermint around your garden, or better yet, use peppermint oil around the base of your plants to create an extra-strong barrier. Plus, it’s a handy herb to have around for cooking or tea.
Nasturtiums
These edible flowers have a peppery taste and grow in bright orange and red colors. The scent and taste are off-putting to squirrels, so planting nasturtiums around your greens is a great way to protect them while adding some beauty (and spice) to your garden. Nasturtiums also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Snowdrops
Snowdrops are small and pack a punch in the squirrel-deterrent department. These early bloomers are among the first to appear in spring, and their delicate white flowers contain alkaloids that make squirrels lose their appetite for anything nearby. Plant snowdrops in shady areas where squirrels like to dig.
Garlic
The strong odor of garlic is a big deterrent for squirrels. Plant garlic cloves around the base of your vulnerable plants to give your garden a natural protective shield. Plus, you’ll have fresh garlic to harvest—two wins in one. Garlic’s scent can also keep away other unwanted critters, including rabbits and deer.
Rosemary
Another herb that’s as useful in the kitchen as it is in the garden, rosemary’s strong, woody aroma is something squirrels would rather not deal with. Grow this herb along your garden beds, and you’ll have an aromatic squirrel shield, along with fresh rosemary for your culinary experiments.
Geraniums
With their bright colors and strong scent, geraniums not only add a pop of vibrancy to your garden but also make squirrels think twice about digging around. Their slightly bitter taste and odor aren’t appealing to squirrels. Moreover, they are drought-resistant, so they’re perfect for those who want to garden without constant watering.
Ornamental Onions
Like their cousin, the allium, ornamental onions provide a powerful scent that squirrels can’t stand. Their beautiful purple and white blooms add elegance to any garden while keeping the furry intruders at bay. If you’re a fan of decorative plants with a practical side, ornamental onions are the way to go.
Crown Imperials
Crown Imperials are the royalty of squirrel-repelling plants. These tall, dramatic flowers have a strong, musky scent that is absolutely unappealing to squirrels. Their distinctive look—tall stems topped with drooping bell-shaped flowers—adds both height and protection to your garden beds.
Catnip
While squirrels can’t stand the scent of catnip, cats will love you for planting it. This strong-smelling herb creates a natural barrier against squirrels. If you have outdoor cats, plant catnip in areas where you want them to hang out—your plants will be protected, and your cats will be in heaven.