Cilantro, a popular herb known for its distinct flavor, is a staple in many culinary traditions worldwide. While many appreciate its unique characteristics, its appealing scent and tender leaves also attract various creatures, making it a target in gardens.
Common Wild Animals and Pests
Cilantro plants attract common wild animals and insect pests. Rabbits consume tender green plants, finding cilantro’s soft foliage appealing. Deer also browse on cilantro, especially when other vegetation is scarce, causing significant defoliation. Squirrels, primarily seed-eaters, might sample cilantro leaves when other food sources are limited.
Smaller garden pests also damage cilantro. Slugs and snails leave irregular holes and a silvery slime trail as they feed, usually at night or in damp conditions. Aphids, tiny sap-sucking insects, cluster on new growth and leaf undersides, causing curling, yellowing, or distortion. Cutworms, moth larvae, reside at the soil line and can sever young cilantro seedlings at the stem base, leading to collapse.
Cilantro and Household Pets
Many household pets can safely consume cilantro in moderation, though it is not a primary diet component. Dogs can eat small amounts, which contain vitamins K and C, and it may help with bad breath. However, large quantities can lead to digestive upset, so offer it as an occasional treat. Cats can also consume small amounts; it is considered non-toxic for them.
Rabbits, as herbivores, can safely eat cilantro as part of a varied diet of fresh greens. It offers a good source of vitamins and fiber, but introduce it gradually and in moderation to avoid digestive issues. Guinea pigs also enjoy cilantro. This herb provides them with essential vitamin C, which they cannot produce. Always introduce new foods slowly and consult a veterinarian with any diet or health concerns.
Protecting Your Cilantro Plants
Protecting cilantro plants from animals and pests involves practical garden strategies. Physical barriers are effective, such as fine mesh row covers draped over plants to exclude insects and larger animals like rabbits. Short fencing around the cilantro patch can also deter ground-dwelling animals. For slugs and snails, barriers of crushed eggshells or copper tape around plants offer protection.
Companion planting also helps by placing cilantro near plants that naturally deter pests. Marigolds, for example, repel certain nematodes and other garden pests that bother cilantro. Regular inspection for early pest activity allows timely intervention. Removing visible pests by hand or with a gentle stream of water helps manage infestations before they become severe.