Hobby gardeners often face the problem of cats using the beds as a toilet or a place to play.
This behavior is not only annoying, but can also cause serious damage to plants.
Luckily, there are many ways to keep cats away from your garden beds without harming them.
Understanding Cat Behavior
Before you start protecting your garden beds, it's important to understand why cats love visiting the garden so much.
Loose soil attracts them as an ideal place for a toilet, and young plants may seem like interesting toys. Knowing these features, you can develop an effective protection strategy.
Using repellent plants
Some plants have a smell that is unpleasant for cats.
Planting such plants around the perimeter of the beds can scare away unwanted guests. Effective repellent plants include Coleus Canina, lavender, rosemary and citrus.
Mulching of beds
Cats don't like to walk on uneven surfaces. Mulching your garden beds with pine cones, branches, or large pebbles can make them less attractive to cats.
This method not only repels animals, but also helps to retain moisture in the soil.
Using water repellents
Cats do not like sudden jets of water. Installing automatic sprinklers with a motion sensor can be an effective way to deter them.
However, this method should be used with caution to avoid harming the plants by overwatering.
Use of organic repellents
Some natural odors are unpleasant for cats. Sprinkling ground coffee, citrus peels, or wine vinegar around the perimeter of your garden beds can deter cats.
These products are safe for plants and are readily available.
