- LAST UPDATED: December 28, 2023
It can be heartbreaking to watch squirrels tear apart a garden. They will eat flowers and vegetables, dig holes and bury food in caches. Using a squirrel proof garden cage can create a significant barrier between squirrels and your beloved plants. If you wish to stop the vicious cycle of squirrels pillaging your garden, read about making a cage and other ways to keep them out.
Squirrel Repellents
Before we get into building or buying a squirrel proof garden cage, it is important to explore other methods of keeping squirrels out. Building an entire cage around your garden can be difficult and possibly expensive, depending on the size. The first option to explore is using squirrel repellents. The best squirrel repellents are inexpensive, effective, and can also keep other critters away from your garden.
Our number one choice for squirrel repellent is the I Must Garden Squirrel Repellent, seen above. It doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals or poisons and is safe for people, pets, and the environment. It is safe to spray directly on plants that are being damaged by squirrels. Perfect for protecting Tomatoes, Bulbs, Hibiscus, Rhododendron, Camellia, Tulips, Succulents, Pumpkins, and Fruit Trees.
Natural Repellents
There are several natural ways to repel squirrels from your garden without harming them. One method is spicy or aromatic plants, such as peppermint, garlic, or chili peppers. These smells are unpleasant to squirrels and can help keep them away from your plants.
Another option is to use loud noises to startle squirrels and discourage them from returning to your garden. For example, you can set up a motion-activated sprinkler or a radio set to a talk station, which will make noise whenever a squirrel comes near.
Another natural way to repel squirrels is to use predator urine. Many animals, including squirrels, have a natural fear of predators, so the smell of predator urine can help keep them away from your garden. This method can be effective, but it requires you to apply the urine around your garden regularly.
Finally, you can also make your garden less appealing to squirrels by removing any sources of food or shelter. This can include picking ripe fruit from trees and bushes, cleaning up fallen seeds or nuts, and trimming overgrown plants. By making your garden less inviting to squirrels, you can help keep them away and protect your plants.
Individual Plant Squirrel Proof Garden Cage
If you are looking for a squirrel proof garden cage, the first option to consider is a cage for each individual plant. There are several options available, including metal an cloth products, and here is our number one choice:
Gardener’s Supply Company Sturdy Chicken Wire Cloche Plant Protector
The Gardener’s Supply Company Sturdy Chicken Wire Cloche Plant Protector is a durable and versatile garden cage that can protect your plants from squirrels and other pests. Made from heavy-duty chicken wire, this cloche features a sturdy frame and a tall, conical shape that provides ample space for your plants to grow. The cage also has a removable top for easy access to your plants and can be easily staked into the ground for added stability.
The chicken wire construction of this cloche plant protector provides a physical barrier that prevents squirrels from reaching your plants while still allowing sunlight and water to reach the plants inside. The cage is also coated with a weather-resistant finish to help protect against rust and decay.
Overall, the Gardener’s Supply Company Sturdy Chicken Wire Cloche Plant Protector is a reliable and effective way to keep squirrels out of your garden and protect your plants. Its durable construction and versatile design make it a great addition to any gardener’s toolkit.
Squirrel Proof Garden Cage for the Entire Garden
If you are looking for a solution to cover the entire garden, you can either purchase a product designed to protect your entire garden or go with some DIY option. Before we look at a DIY option, let’s take a quick look at a pre made option that can work for your garden.
GROWNEER 4 x 8 Feet Crop Cage Plant Protection Tent
Just like the name suggests, the GROWNEER 4 x 8 Feet Crop Cage Plant Protection Tent a tent that you can put around your entire garden. It features 32 square feet of coverage which allows you to protect multiple shrubs, plants, or flowers at once. The Growneer Protection Tent has 6 steel tubes which connect to the ground and don’t allow squirrels to dig under. The mesh walls provided a physical barrier from rodents and other pests while still allowing sunshine and water to enter freely. The cage also has a zippered door for easy access to your plants and can be easily set up in your garden or greenhouse.
DIY Squirrel Proof Garden Cage
If you want to customize your garden cage or just want your garden to be more physically appealing than a pre made product, your best option is a DIY cage. The following is just a generally outline of supplies and instructions to build your cage. If you are looking for a more specific guide, check out this one.
1. Measure
Before you begin, you need to know your desired garden cage’s length, width, and height. Measure all sides of your garden and the distance it would take to cover the top, so you know how much material to purchase.
Also, determine how high you want the cage to be. Ideally, you want to be able to walk inside, so use your height plus a few inches.
Keep in mind that, on average, a 6 to 8-foot fence post has one end buried about 2 feet deep to prevent it from falling over.
Draw and label a diagram of your cage so that you can be sure you have the correct measurements when you go shopping for supplies.
2. Gather Supplies
Use your measurements when purchasing supplies. Save receipts so you can return any unused materials. Save money by borrowing tools from neighbors and friends.
Gather the following materials and tools:
- Lumber
- Quick cement
- Pole digger
- Rubberized (or steel) hardware cloth or chicken wire (enough to cover the diameter, top, and height)
- Galvanized screws
- Gravel (optional)
- Wood stain (optional)
- Jig and miter saws
- Power drill
- Level
- Staple gun
- Hinges
- Sliding door lock
- Measuring tape
- Ladder
3. Put in Posts
Use a pole digger first to bury the end posts about 2 feet deep, and pour quick-drying concrete into each hole to keep it steady.
Next, put in the middle posts in the same fashion. All posts must be the same height to have a straight roof.
4. Add Perimeter Support
Next, place 2 X 4 lumber horizontally along the posts, on the outside of each post along the ground to make the base. Do this on all sides of the cage, keeping in mind that you will step over this at the doorway.
Use a level to ensure each one is straight, and attach them with galvanized screws.
Next, add perimeter support to create framing at the top of each post. It will look like you have built a box without sides.
Finally, do one more row in the same way, slightly more than halfway above the middle points of the posts. However, the fourth side should have a shortened piece that leaves a section between two posts open. This will be where the entranceway door will go.
5. Add Roof Supports
Next, add 2 X 4 lumber that stretches horizontally across the tops of each post, attaching them with more screws. This makes the roof hold the netting in place.
6. Build the Door
While your garden cage keeps the squirrels out, you need to be able to get in.
Use the two posts that you left open (the space without a perimeter piece across the middle).
Essentially, it would be best if you built a door making a rectangle frame with a center horizontal piece that fits inside the open space frame.
7. Wrap the Wire
Wrap the rubberized hardware cloth around exterior posts, attaching it to each post with multiple staples using a staple gun.
If you dug a trench, make sure to bury the bottom of your fencing in the gravel as you work along attaching it to the posts.
Staple hardware cloth over the top, using the framing to secure it with staples. Overlap any cut pieces over the lumber and secure those with more staples.
The more staples you use, the better. Squirrels can squeeze through holes that are a mere 1 ½ inches wide, avoid leaving any gaps where a squirrel can squeeze in.
Squirrel Proof Garden Cage Conclusion
A squirrel proof garden cage might offer your garden the best protection.
Make sure the cage is tall enough and has a door for you to enter inside.
The hardware cloth should be pulled tight and stapled at all levels – bottom, middle, and top – with no gaps that a squirrel can squeeze through.
The top must also be firmly covered with chicken wire or hardware cloth.
The hard work needed to put in a cage will be well worth it when you harvest delicious vegetables or grow beautiful flowers.
