Squirrels are entertaining to watch, but they can wreak havoc in your garden and damage your plants. If you’ve faced their disruption in your garden, bird feeder, or potted plants, you know the mess they can create. While certain easy-to-grow plants can keep squirrels out of your garden, if you’re searching for a way to prevent them from accessing your potted plants, you’ve found the right solution. Protect your potted plants from squirrels with a simple and cheap fix using cuts of hardware cloth.
Hardware cloth is a robust material crafted from metal wire, often used in home repairs and construction. Its steel is formed in a grid-like pattern, making it very strong and able to withstand various environmental conditions. Best of all, it’s affordable to purchase a roll, and it will last you a long time. Moreover, the perfect container plants for your front porch will remain safe with this simple trick. You can likely find a roll at your local hardware store or purchase it online, such as the AGG FENCER Black Hardware Cloth.
How to use hardware cloth in your potted plants
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Another hardware cloth hack for container gardening! #gardening101 #gardentok #fyp #diy #containergardening #pestcontrol #smallgardenideas #smallgarden
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The hardware cloth you choose depends on your preference. Various gauges, materials, and mesh sizes are available, so you’ll want to select one that is both durable and effective for your needs. Galvanized steel hardware cloth is the most affordable option and typically comes with UV coating — ideal for gardens and plants exposed to the sun. Meanwhile, welded stainless steel hardware cloth is slightly more durable and rust-resistant for outdoor weather conditions.
While there are many ways to deter squirrels, this method is one of the simplest. To use the cloth in your potted plants, start by using wire cutters to snip your hardware cloth into small, approximately 4-inch by 2-inch squares. You can adjust the size of these squares to fit your pot. Then, place them into the pot lengthwise with the edge pointing up. This will discourage squirrels from reaching your plant, as the hardware cloth’s sharp edges will alert, and potentially harm, a squirrel trying to access your pot. Alternatively, you can cut the hardware cloth to fit around the base of the plant, helping keep squirrels out while allowing your plant to receive necessary air and sunlight.
