This is not my first time growing outdoors but it is my first outdoor grow in New York. All of my previous experience has been in a much different environment in California.
I was gifted 3 ladies for my outdoor garden. I got them right at the start of June, about 8-10" each and they have been outside ever since.
The plants themselves have remained pretty happy despite major wind and pest problems. The very first night of them being outdoors, something had gotten nosey and dug small holes in my soil.
I transplanted into coco and small 3 gallon pots to begin. My plants are in my flower garden in my back yard surrounded by many other plants.
I quickly learned that squirrels are attracted to Coco as they began to target my 3 plants as well as a hanging flower basket with a Coco lined that I have hanging close by.
I have tried everything from red pepper flakes, pieces of garlic, pieces of red pepper, coyote urine, human hair, physical traps, reflective ornaments, wind chimes and solar noise makers.
None of this seemed to work completely, causing the squirrels to come back randomly. There has been a few times that two of the pots where completely dug through, plants knocked over and one had even been snapped in half at one point.
I had only recently found this site, so I had been doctoring up my plants and trying all that I could think of on my own.
My next issue was I began to notice slight signs of insects, so I went ahead and applied some spray to all of both my plants and top layer of Coco.
Also, out of desperation and myself being more of a visual person - I thought to add some fake snakes and a fake grasshopper to my pots to make them look occupied.
The spray and fake animals seemed to be most effective, but eventually the squirrels began to make their appearance known again.
Since I’ve sprayed, they have not dug nearly as aggressively as I think the quickly decide they dont like the taste. Two of my plants had been in shock for a while but luckily even the one that was snapped in half bounced back.
I’ve attached pics of my most aggressive situation a few weeks ago as well as another situation this morning.
If anyone has any knowledge or advice it would be much appreciated - I am more or less studying the enviornment and preparing for next year as this is our first year legal !
Start of my first outdoor grow in New York !
Major issues with squirrels first couple weeks.
Small disturbance this morning.
Ladies about 1 month after being outside !
