I could cry

[earthmama369]

A couple days ago, I went out to pick salad greens from our first attempt at raised beds SFG-style (which has been going very well!) and I noticed something had been eating some of the greens and the tops of the radishes. I made a mental note to put up some protective netting. Then it poured for the next couple days.

I guess I was too optimistic in hoping that the rain would keep the little buggers away because when I went out to put up netting this morning, a good 3 inches had been eaten off the tops of all my climbing peas. They don't even reach their trellis anymore.

Grr. I'm more mad at myself than anything for not putting the netting up right away. I think it's either deer or woodchucks -- I'm pretty sure it isn't rabbits because we have three outdoor cats who are more than happy to hunt bunnies.

Suggestions on deterring woodchucks and deer aside from the netting? Is there a scent I could put down that might send them to, er, greener pastures? Thanks for letting me vent and any ideas. . . .

[momto l&a]

I sprinkle on chili peper flakes and that keeps the deer at bay.

I have a neighbor that uses a garlic spray that seems to keep all sorts of varmits at bay.

[earthmama369]

And I like both those flavors!

That's definitely worth a try. Thanks!

[Rebecca]

I'd first try peeing around the garden. Next I'd put up a little fence with tomato stakes and chicken wire. Pretty cheap and effective for deer. Not so great for a determined woodchuck though.

You could try bitter apple spray but I'd worry that it'd get all over your food and taste really nasty.