Keeping birds and squirrels away from your urban planter boxes requires a blend of clever barriers and gentle discouragement. Start with physical protection. Cover your boxes with bird netting, ensuring it's taut and anchored to prevent entanglement. For squirrels, a simple baffle—a smooth, wide collar placed below or above the planter—can block their climb. You can also create a cage using hardware cloth over a frame.
Next, employ natural deterrents. Birds dislike reflective, moving objects. Hang old CDs, reflective tape, or wind chimes nearby. For squirrels, sprinkle cayenne pepper or use a commercial spicy spray on the soil (not directly on edible plants). Planting strong-scented herbs like mint, garlic, or marigolds around your prized veggies can also mask appealing scents.
Make the environment less inviting. Keep the area clean of fallen seeds or fruit. Provide an alternative water and food source away from your planters, like a dedicated bird feeder, to distract wildlife.
Finally, choose your plants wisely. Squirrels are less likely to dig in planters filled with prickly stems or unappealing foliage. Burying chicken wire just below the soil surface can also deter digging. By combining these humane strategies, you can enjoy your urban garden in peace while allowing local wildlife to coexist safely.