The presence of squirrels in garden settings is a common experience for many homeowners. These animals are well-known for their opportunistic feeding behaviors, foraging widely and often sampling a variety of plant matter as they search for calorie-rich nuts and seeds. This natural curiosity and broad diet often lead to questions about the safety and vulnerability of specific garden crops. Gardeners frequently wonder if their carefully cultivated perennial vegetables, such as asparagus, are at risk from these common backyard inhabitants.
The Direct Answer: Do Squirrels Eat Asparagus?
Yes, squirrels can and often do eat asparagus, though it may not be their primary food source. The tender, newly emerged spears are the most frequent target. Squirrels use their sharp teeth to nip off the succulent tips, which are soft and easy to consume. The damage often appears as cleanly cut spears or partially eaten tips, typically when the stalks are only a few inches tall. Later in the growing season, once the spears have grown into the tall, fern-like structures, squirrels may also consume the foliage or the small red berries that develop. These berries contain seeds, which are attractive to the rodents. In some cases, especially when food is scarce, squirrels may even target the asparagus crowns, which are the root systems of the plant. They may dig around the base of the plant to access the nutrient-dense underground structure, which can cause significant, long-term damage to the perennial crop.
Why Asparagus Appeals to Squirrels
Asparagus appeals to squirrels due to its nutritional composition and seasonal availability. The spears emerge in the early spring, a time when other natural food sources like nuts and seeds are often depleted or have not yet ripened. This makes the newly sprouted spears one of the first readily available fresh vegetables of the year. The spears also contain a relatively high water content, which is especially attractive to squirrels during dry spells or at the beginning of the season. Asparagus contains various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, folic acid, and iron, which contribute to the animal’s overall energy and health needs. Squirrels are highly opportunistic feeders, meaning they will consume whatever is easiest to access. The plant’s sweet flavor profile also makes it a palatable choice for a mammal with a diverse diet.
Protecting Asparagus from Squirrel Damage
The most effective strategy for protecting asparagus is using physical barriers to prevent squirrels from reaching the spears. Installing fine-mesh netting or chicken wire over the rows immediately after the spears begin to emerge can block access without shading the plants. The barrier needs to be secured firmly to the ground, as squirrels are adept at burrowing or lifting unsecured edges.
Adjusting the taste or scent of the area can deter feeding behavior. Applying capsaicin-based sprays or dusting the surrounding soil with cayenne pepper makes the spears unappealing to the squirrels. These applications must be reapplied frequently, especially after rain or heavy watering, to maintain their effectiveness.
Some gardeners find success with scent-based repellents, such as spreading blood meal or using commercially available predator urine products around the perimeter of the patch. The strong, unfamiliar odors signal danger to the squirrels, encouraging them to forage elsewhere. This method relies on the perception of risk and should be placed away from the edible parts of the plant.
Managing other nearby food sources is another good practice, particularly limiting access to bird feeders, which are major attractants for squirrels. Using squirrel-proof feeders can reduce the overall population pressure on your vegetable garden.
General Squirrel Dietary Habits
Squirrels are classified as omnivores, meaning their diet is highly varied and includes both plant and animal matter. Their natural diet is heavily focused on hard-shelled nuts like acorns, hickory nuts, and walnuts, which they bury for later consumption, and various seeds. They also consume a wide range of fruits and berries when they are in season, providing necessary sugars and moisture during the warmer months. Beyond these staples, squirrels will eat fungi, flower buds, tree bark, and young plant shoots. This flexibility allows them to thrive in diverse environments and adapt to seasonal changes in food availability. For protein, squirrels will occasionally consume insects, bird eggs, and even small nestlings. The drive for a balanced intake of fat, carbohydrates, and protein dictates their foraging patterns throughout the year.