Gardeners often wonder if squirrels pose a threat to their impatiens plants. This article explores the relationship between squirrels and impatiens, examining whether these plants are a target and offering strategies to maintain your garden’s beauty.
Do Squirrels Really Eat Impatiens?
Squirrels generally do not consider impatiens a preferred food source. Impatiens are not typically on their menu, especially when other palatable food options are available. Unlike bulbs, which squirrels commonly seek, impatiens are not bulb plants. While direct consumption is uncommon, isolated instances occur if other food sources are scarce. Squirrels might occasionally nibble on leaves or flowers out of curiosity. Impatiens are considered non-toxic to animals, although ingesting them might cause a mild stomach upset.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior in the Garden
Squirrels exhibit various behaviors in gardens that can affect plants, even if not directly consumed. A significant activity is digging, often observed in flower beds and pots. This behavior stems from their instinct to bury nuts and seeds for later retrieval or to forage for previously buried food. The loose soil around newly planted impatiens can be particularly inviting for these digging activities, leading to disturbed plants or uprooted seedlings.
Squirrels are also curious creatures, often investigating new additions to their territory. This curiosity might lead them to explore impatiens plantings, potentially causing unintentional damage as they root around or move through the plants. Their continuously growing teeth also prompt them to gnaw on various materials, which could sometimes extend to plant stems or bark, though this is less common with tender annuals like impatiens.
Protecting Your Impatiens from Squirrels
Several methods can help protect your impatiens from squirrel disturbances, ranging from physical barriers to natural repellents.
Physical Barriers
Bird netting or garden mesh can be draped over individual plants or small beds, secured at the base to deter digging. For larger areas or containers, laying chicken wire or hardware cloth over the soil surface can block access while still allowing plants to grow through.
Scent and Taste Deterrents
Scents and tastes that squirrels dislike can also be a deterrent. Sprinkling cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or even used coffee grounds around the base of impatiens can discourage squirrels due to the unpleasant taste and smell. Peppermint oil, garlic, or apple cider vinegar solutions sprayed around the plants can also create an unwelcome environment for these rodents. These applications typically require reapplication after rain.
Companion Planting
Companion planting involves placing plants that squirrels tend to avoid near your impatiens. Species like daffodils, alliums (onions, garlic), marigolds, and mint are often bypassed by squirrels due to their strong odors or unpalatable taste. While not completely foolproof, combining these methods can significantly reduce the likelihood of squirrels disturbing your impatiens, helping to preserve your garden’s aesthetic appeal.