Plant these now: 10 top plants that squirrels absolutely cannot stand

Gardening can be a rewarding hobby, but it often comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to dealing with wildlife. Squirrels, in particular, can be a nuisance for gardeners, as they are known for digging up bulbs, munching on plants, and generally causing chaos in the garden. Fortunately, there are certain plants that squirrels tend to avoid, which can help protect your garden from their antics.

By strategically planting these squirrel-repelling plants, you can create a natural barrier that discourages these furry invaders from wreaking havoc in your garden. In this article, we'll explore ten top plants that squirrels absolutely cannot stand, helping you to maintain a beautiful and thriving garden without the constant threat of squirrel damage.

Squirrels are small mammals that belong to the family Sciuridae, which includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels. They are known for their bushy tails and their ability to climb trees with ease. Squirrels are primarily herbivores, feeding on a diet of nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects. Their keen sense of smell helps them locate food, and they are notorious for digging up bulbs and seeds in gardens.

Squirrels are active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. They are territorial creatures and can be quite persistent once they find a food source. Understanding their behavior is key to deterring them from your garden. By planting certain types of plants, you can take advantage of their natural aversions and keep them at bay.

Squirrels tend to avoid plants that have strong scents, bitter tastes, or toxic properties. These characteristics can be off-putting to their sensitive noses and taste buds. For example, plants with a strong garlic or onion scent, such as alliums, are often avoided by squirrels. Similarly, plants that contain natural toxins, like daffodils, can deter squirrels due to their unpalatable nature.

Additionally, some plants have physical characteristics that make them less appealing to squirrels. For instance, plants with prickly leaves or stems can be uncomfortable for squirrels to navigate, thus discouraging them from venturing too close. By understanding these deterrents, gardeners can choose plants that naturally repel squirrels without the need for chemical interventions.

To help you protect your garden from squirrels, we have compiled a list of ten plants that are known to deter these pesky critters. These plants not only serve as a natural barrier against squirrels but also add beauty and diversity to your garden. From aromatic herbs to vibrant flowers, these plants offer a variety of options for creating a squirrel-free garden.

1. Alliums

2. Daffodils

3. Fritillaries

4. Galanthus (Snowdrops)

5. Hyacinths

6. Lily of the Valley

7. Geraniums

8. Peppermint

9. Crown Imperial

10. Marigolds

Alliums, which include garlic, onions, and chives, are part of the Amaryllidaceae family and are known for their strong, pungent smell. This odor is unappealing to squirrels, making alliums an excellent choice for deterring them. Planting alliums in your garden can create a natural barrier that squirrels are likely to avoid.

Alliums are also versatile plants that can be used in a variety of garden settings. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, making them ideal for borders, rock gardens, and even containers. With their striking globe-shaped flowers, alliums add both beauty and functionality to your garden.

Daffodils (Narcissus) are a popular springtime flower known for their bright yellow blooms. They contain lycorine, a toxic compound that is unpalatable to squirrels and other animals. This natural toxicity makes daffodils an effective deterrent against squirrels.

In addition to their squirrel-repelling properties, daffodils are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. They prefer well-drained soil and full to partial sun, and they can be planted in clusters for a striking visual effect. Daffodils are a cheerful addition to any garden and serve as a natural barrier against unwanted visitors.

Fritillaries are a group of flowering plants in the lily family, known for their unique bell-shaped flowers and checkered patterns. They emit a musky odor that is unpleasant to squirrels, making them an effective deterrent.

These plants thrive in well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade, making them suitable for woodland gardens and shaded borders. Fritillaries come in a variety of colors, including purple, yellow, and white, adding diversity and interest to your garden while keeping squirrels at bay.

Galanthus, commonly known as snowdrops, are delicate white flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring. Despite their fragile appearance, snowdrops contain galantamine, a natural compound that is toxic to squirrels and other animals.

Snowdrops prefer well-drained soil and partial shade, making them ideal for woodland gardens and shaded areas. Their early bloom time provides a welcome splash of color in the garden when few other plants are in flower. By planting snowdrops, you can enjoy their beauty while deterring squirrels from your garden.

Hyacinths are known for their vibrant colors and strong, sweet fragrance. While their scent is pleasant to humans, it is often overwhelming to squirrels, making hyacinths an effective deterrent.

These spring-blooming bulbs thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. They can be planted in borders, containers, or even as part of a mixed bulb display. With their striking appearance and squirrel-repelling properties, hyacinths are a valuable addition to any garden.

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a perennial plant known for its small, bell-shaped white flowers and sweet fragrance. Despite its delicate appearance, it contains cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to squirrels and other animals.

Lily of the Valley prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade, making it ideal for shaded garden areas. Its ability to spread and form dense colonies makes it an excellent ground cover that can help deter squirrels from entering your garden.

Geraniums are popular garden plants known for their colorful blooms and pleasant scent. However, their strong fragrance is often off-putting to squirrels, making them an effective deterrent.

Geraniums are versatile plants that can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, or garden beds. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. With their wide range of colors and squirrel-repelling properties, geraniums are a beautiful and functional addition to any garden.

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a fragrant herb known for its strong, minty aroma. This scent is often overwhelming to squirrels, making peppermint an effective natural repellent.

Peppermint is a hardy perennial that thrives in moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sun. It can be grown in containers to prevent it from spreading too aggressively. In addition to deterring squirrels, peppermint can be used in culinary dishes and herbal remedies, making it a versatile addition to your garden.

Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) is a striking plant known for its tall stems and large, bell-shaped flowers. It emits a strong, musky odor that is unpleasant to squirrels, making it an effective deterrent.

Crown Imperial prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Its impressive height and unique appearance make it a focal point in any garden. By planting Crown Imperial, you can enjoy its regal beauty while keeping squirrels at bay.

Marigolds are bright, cheerful flowers known for their vibrant colors and distinctive scent. While their fragrance is pleasant to humans, it is often repellent to squirrels, making marigolds an effective natural deterrent.

These hardy annuals thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, making them ideal for borders, containers, and companion planting. In addition to deterring squirrels, marigolds can help repel other garden pests, such as aphids and nematodes, making them a valuable addition to any garden.