Re: Something ate my hostas

RespectLife · ‎02-27-2012

Hee hee @PA Mom-mom

No the pinwheel was gonna be for the bunnies that sneak through the fence into the garden.

The slugs are getting Irish Spring Soap next.

BTW- I went to 2 Dollar stores during lunch and not one pinwheel to be found!

Doesn't that seem like a Dollar Store item???

RespectLife · ‎02-27-2012

@jannabelle1

Hmm, I just watched a You Tube Video.....we also have a problem w/ squirrels.

They chewed the wiring under my daughter's car....hefty repair bill.

What car Engineer thought it was smart to wrap wires w/ soy?

Anyways...this video did a test

Hula hoops, 20 peanuts in the middle and all different 'remedies' to keep the squirrels out used around the hoops.

The only thing that worked was rag soaked ammonia and Coyote urine. He had the videos....they would not go NEAR those hoops.

Moth balls came in #3 with only a few peanuts getting taken.

They totally crossed over Liquid Fence, Critter Ridder, & Cayenne and ate every single peanut.

I'm glad it worked for you, but I am leery about spending the money for these dang squirrels....they sure coulda cared less in this experiment!

RespectLife · ‎02-27-2012

@RespectLife wrote:
Hee hee @PA Mom-mom

No the pinwheel was gonna be for the bunnies that sneak through the fence into the garden.

The slugs are getting Irish Spring Soap next.

BTW- I went to 2 Dollar stores during lunch and not one pinwheel to be found!
Doesn't that seem like a Dollar Store item???

Updated to add

Walmart had patriotic pinwheels for 98c in case anyone wants to try and 'scare' away critters.

I get free delivery tomorrow for a $2 order!!

Snoopp · ‎02-02-2015

@haddon9 wrote:
@bmorechick Same thing happened to our hostas! Last year they were looking so lush, green & full and were such a pleasure to look at. One day we came outside and every leaf except one was gone! My husband had set up a camera in the back and he saw that the deer were having a feast!

So far this year they still look good and will check to see if anyone has made some suggestions here (I haven't read the replies yet) on what to do to keep them from eating our plants.

The deer ate mine as well. This year they are still in good shape, except they need water. I expect one evening the deer will decide to feast on them. I don't know how to stop the deer.

proudlyfromNJ · ‎05-01-2010

@Snoopp wrote:
@haddon9 wrote:
@bmorechick Same thing happened to our hostas! Last year they were looking so lush, green & full and were such a pleasure to look at. One day we came outside and every leaf except one was gone! My husband had set up a camera in the back and he saw that the deer were having a feast!

So far this year they still look good and will check to see if anyone has made some suggestions here (I haven't read the replies yet) on what to do to keep them from eating our plants.
The deer ate mine as well. This year they are still in good shape, except they need water. I expect one evening the deer will decide to feast on them. I don't know how to stop the deer.

@Snoopp So far Deer Off is working for me.

luvmyteddy4 · ‎09-04-2010

I don't have deer so it has to be rabbits. Only ate 2 hostas out of 16.

So many rabbit nests in the backyard.

I have plenty of irish spring since I use it under the hood to keep squirrels from eating the wiring and also my battery case. Will put some on the flowers next.

ValuSkr · ‎03-15-2014

Another vote for Liquid Fence; it's expensive but effective. One thing to note is that it does NOT have to be reapplied after rain (unless you have torrential down pours, then you should probably think about it). Just follow the directions on the container (religiously): spray once, again after a week, and once a month thereafter.

YouGoGirl1 · ‎08-31-2015

slugs love beer, they like the yeast, put beer in mayo lids or something that's low to the ground, put them by each hosta plants they fall in and drown.

jackthebear · ‎03-11-2010

@haddon9 wrote:
@bmorechick Same thing happened to our hostas! Last year they were looking so lush, green & full and were such a pleasure to look at. One day we came outside and every leaf except one was gone! My husband had set up a camera in the back and he saw that the deer were having a feast!

So far this year they still look good and will check to see if anyone has made some suggestions here (I haven't read the replies yet) on what to do to keep them from eating our plants.

a physical fence around them is the only thing

CJC · ‎03-11-2010

Some good suggestions here. I use Milorganite fertilizer in early spring and mid summer. Great fertilizer for everything, never burns. Critters don't like it because it's organic, made from human sewage. Many people can't stand the smell but I'm used to it because my dad used it back in 50's-60's. Smells like a farm to me. Lowes carries it. Then I use both Liquid Fence (Amazon) and Plantskydd (local nursery). I spray on Liquid Fence after every rain, and I sprinkle the Plantskydd granules around low plants. Works well but you must be consistent with application which I can be because I have a small yard. Tried Irish Spring but it melts away in rain and I'd need to use like 100 bars. Coffee grounds help too. Sprinkle around plant bases in early spring.

To deter deer you need to start very early spring to teach them your garden is not their private smorgasbord. Deer are creatures of habit, and it's hard to discourage them once they've discovered easy pickings. I live on the edge of a national park where we have herds of deer walking through our neighborhood. I've learned to choose plants and shrubs carefully since moving here. No more Hostas...they're deer candy. Try Astilbe if you live north of S Carolina. They are similar to Hosta and deer hate them.