How to Keep Cats From Digging Up Garden Bulbs

After planting a garden, it can be frustrating to find your freshly planted bulbs dug to the surface. Cats have a natural inclination to dig, especially in fine or freshly turned soil. There are tricks to keep cats out of your garden.

• Place chicken wire over the garden. Once the garden is complete, lay chicken wire across the top. The plants will grow through the chicken wire, but the cats will be unable to dig into the soil.


• Cover the garden with landscaping rocks. If the bulbs do not require much sunlight close to the root, then laying landscaping rocks over the garden is an attractive way to discourage cats from digging.


• Plant coleus throughout the garden. Cats do not like the smell of the coleus plant and will stay away from areas where it is planted. Place these plants between your bulbs to help deter cats.


• Purchase a motion activated animal deterrent. Hardware stores sell pest deterrent devices. Some devices emit a short stream of water when an animal comes near your garden.


• Do not over hoe the garden. Cats like soil that has been separated into fine grains. Over hoeing can lead to soil that attracts cats. Keep the soil firm and tightly packed.


• Enclose your garden in a greenhouse net. Greenhouse nets allow the sunlight to come through but keep pests out. The net should stay over the garden until the plants are strong and healthy.


• Plant close together. The closer the bulbs are planted, the less likely the cat will be able to dig them up. Planting close together makes the soil firmer, thus the cat is not attracted to digging in the area.