How to Keep Squirrels Out of Potted Plants, According to Gardening Experts

Backyard squirrels can be charming to watch—until they start bothering your potted plants. These furry animals are significantly less adorable when they're digging up seeds, snapping strawberries, knocking over pots, and generally causing mischief on your patio or in your garden. If you need help deterring squirrels from invading your potted plants, we spoke to gardening experts who shared their tips for keeping these curious creatures away from your yard. 

Block Access to Plants

Your first line of defense is to prevent squirrels from accessing your plants by creating a physical barrier. The barrier can vary depending on the type of potted plants you're trying to protect and can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish. "Black chicken wire around the inside of the perimeter will not allow any area for digging, yet allows the plants to fill out stress-free," says garden author Teri Speight. "Remove once the squirrels have moved on." You can also try placing a larger cloche or a cage over the potted plant. 

Discourage Digging

Barriers and blockades can be useful, but if you do not like the way these defenses look on your property, there are other alternatives. "I have found that top dressing or mulching potted plants with poultry grit or fine pea gravel can be an effective deterrent," says horticulturist Jennifer Petritz. Squirrels do not like digging through these materials as much as they do potting soil. 

Try Companion Plants

Some squirrels don't like the smell or texture of certain plants. For example, deer and rabbits dislike alliums and may stay away from areas where garlic or onions are present. The same principle is true with squirrels, although your results will depend on the tenacity of your particular furry visitor. Speight recommends growing companion plants that deter pests like marigolds, daffodils, or nasturtiums. Herbs often work well in containers and can deter squirrels, too. "I have not noticed squirrel activity in most of my herb plantings," says Petritz. "Try incorporating aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into annual plantings."

Use Spicy Ingredients

The most discreet way to deter squirrels from bothering your potted plants is using a simple kitchen spice like black, white, or red pepper. "Virtually invisible, the scent discourages digging and is an irritant to inhale," says Speight. 

Petritz also recommends using spices to keep squirrels at bay, adding that cayenne pepper is sometimes used to keep squirrels out of birdseed. "It might be worth trying some pepper flakes mixed into the top couple of inches of potting soil for container plantings," she says. 

Use Coffee Grounds

It may be hard to imagine if you're a coffee lover, but not everyone enjoys the aroma of coffee grounds. Squirrels may even find the scent distasteful. "Coffee grounds sprinkled around the surface of potted plants has been useful in discouraging squirrels to dig," says Speight. "The scent of coffee is simply not appealing to most squirrels."

Try Mint

The scent of mint is not attractive to squirrels, and you can put this to your benefit in a few ways. In situations when the squirrel refuses to leave your plant alone, Speight suggests this approach: "Try peppermint-soaked cotton balls discreetly placed under leaves to repel these persistently pesky critters." She also suggests placing a container-grown mint plant near the potted plant that the squirrels are bothering, as the mint plant could discourage the squirrels.