How to keep critters out of your garden

Have you ever encountered an all-out war with critters and insects trying to chew your garden to shreds? If so, you are not alone! Gardeners just like you all around the world struggle with keeping rabbits, squirrels, insects and other critters out of your garden. Fortunately, many gardening tools can help you keep the "critter battle" under control. Repellents can be a useful tool to deter critters away from your garden; however, pesticides should be applied with caution. Some critters can be safely trapped and let loose in the woods, and fences can be a big help as well. There are some tools and materials that you the gardener may want to keep on hand for you fight against pests and animals that wreak havoc on all your efforts. Tools and Materials to Keep on HandrnThe tools and materials you should keep on hand to chase critters will depend on your specific problem. Below is a list to give you an idea of what you might need:rn1. Fencing (for keeping animals like rabbits away from plants)rn2. Fence postsrn3. Cage traps (if needed for rabbits)rn4. Repellent sprays (there are some sprays that work on animals and insects both)rn5. Garden sprayers (for applying repellents)rn6. Pesticides Instructions on How to Keep Critters Out of Your Garden As far as insects, cabbage worms and Japanese beetles, they can sometimes be repelled by planting certain plants. Borage can deter the cabbage worms and chrysanthemums can repel the Japanese beetles. However, when more serious deterrents are merited, follow the steps below:rn1. Place fencing around the garden to keep critters such as rabbits out of it. Make sure not to trap any of the rabbits inside the enclosure.rn2. If needed, set some traps inside the enclosure to make sure you remove all rabbits. Only use this measure if necessary and only use cage traps that allow the animal to live. Once trapped, let the critter go out in the woods where it will find plenty to eat without bothering any gardens.rn3. Liberally apply the pest repellent. You will only need one if you buy one that works for all critters. Make certain to apply it to the top side and bottom side of the leaves. Also, spray it around the perimeter of the garden to keep the crawling critters from even wanting to enter.rn4. Pesticides should be used cautiously and only when needed. These will kill the beneficial insects along with the harmful ones. Use these as spot treatments instead of spraying a large area.rn5. Watch the garden for any recurrence of critters trying to harm your plants. The earlier you catch a problem, the easier it is to get rid of it. When you learn how to keep critters out of your garden, your garden can be a tremendous success. Also, if you are looking for a specific repellent brand to scare those unwelcome critters away, check out the "Hot Pepper Wax" available through Spring River Nurseries at http://www.springrivernurseries.com/ItemDetail.aspx?146.