I've just planted my spring bulbs in zone 6. I planted alliums, daffodils, crocus, wood hyacinth and grape hyacinth, and anemones. I skipped the tulips, and will only do them inside a deer proof fence or pots. I am still thinking to spread capsaicin (hot pepper powder) over the area to deter voles and any other potential nibblers who start eating anything in the worst weather. I think the daffodils and alliums are safe, but I worry about the crocus, anemone and hyacinth bulbs. After I've watered them in and spread the hot pepper, I will cover the area with leaves. I hope to add Snow Drop in front of the garden, and the regular hyacinth to the mix,; but that might have to wait till next year. I'd like to hear about what other sorts of deer resistant plants could be mixed in that would bloom at the same time. I'm thinking poppies, nigella, and peonies- but would love to hear other suggestions for easy plants that the animals won't eat. Especially perennials, natives, and self seeding low maintenance plants.
Hi Jojo, wow, you have been busy. The capsicum powder will work to a point, but you will probably have to reapply regularly, especially after heavy rain. Alternatively, you could consider putting down wire mesh or even a sonic alarm, which is a popular choice where I am. I haven't had much of a problem with animals coming into the garden as it is fairly secure from deer, and the neighbour has a couple of cats. So I can't give you the first hsd experience. However, there are plenty of deer resistant plant lists available online. Thanks for getting in touch, Simon
Very helpful-thank you. Do I put the bulbs in fridge for the entire stratification time then plant, if I haven’t yet planted? Particularly giant alliums and tulips. Ireland south west coast.
Hi Sinead, and thanks for getting in touch. It's quite warm we're you are so cold treating your bulbs will give you an advantage. You can cold treat for the entire time or part treat them before planting outside just prior to the weather turning cold to finish them off. That's a great question. Kind regards, Simon
I've just planted my spring bulbs in zone 6. I planted alliums, daffodils, crocus, wood hyacinth and grape hyacinth, and anemones. I skipped the tulips, and will only do them inside a deer proof fence or pots.
I am still thinking to spread capsaicin (hot pepper powder) over the area to deter voles and any other potential nibblers who start eating anything in the worst weather. I think the daffodils and alliums are safe, but I worry about the crocus, anemone and hyacinth bulbs. After I've watered them in and spread the hot pepper, I will cover the area with leaves.
I hope to add Snow Drop in front of the garden, and the regular hyacinth to the mix,; but that might have to wait till next year. I'd like to hear about what other sorts of deer resistant plants could be mixed in that would bloom at the same time. I'm thinking poppies, nigella, and peonies- but would love to hear other suggestions for easy plants that the animals won't eat. Especially perennials, natives, and self seeding low maintenance plants.
Hi Jojo, wow, you have been busy. The capsicum powder will work to a point, but you will probably have to reapply regularly, especially after heavy rain. Alternatively, you could consider putting down wire mesh or even a sonic alarm, which is a popular choice where I am. I haven't had much of a problem with animals coming into the garden as it is fairly secure from deer, and the neighbour has a couple of cats. So I can't give you the first hsd experience. However, there are plenty of deer resistant plant lists available online. Thanks for getting in touch, Simon
Very helpful-thank you. Do I put the bulbs in fridge for the entire stratification time then plant, if I haven’t yet planted? Particularly giant alliums and tulips. Ireland south west coast.
Hi Sinead, and thanks for getting in touch. It's quite warm we're you are so cold treating your bulbs will give you an advantage. You can cold treat for the entire time or part treat them before planting outside just prior to the weather turning cold to finish them off. That's a great question. Kind regards, Simon
Squirrels ate all my tulips last winter🫤
Flipping squirrels. They've ruined my life! Simon