Re: Other animals in the garden

The only varmint digging in my yard is a 1yr. old german shepherd who has an uncontrollable urge to "improve" on any hole she has seen me digging (as soon as the plant goes in she feels she needs to remove it). I am considering buying some portable fencing to protect new plants. Fortunately, here in the suburbs gophers aren't a problem. Not being able to see my nemesis would be unbearable.

Vavourakis wrote:
3D737BC4.9A815D38@hol.gr"> Dear Gunnar,

I have had hedgehogs and rats in the garden in Crete-both could be responsible for holes, with the hedgehog by far the cuter and more welcome of the two!  There are also ferrets and foxes that prowl during the night and are carnivorous.  Yours seem to like a salad with their meal!

Karen V. Athens

Gunnar Dath wrote:

  Hi, here in Greece I do not think that we have goofers or anything like them for that matter.. however, I often find large holes dug in the ground in my garden. They are always dug during the night. Often, but not always, this animal digs near plants that are being watered. A particularly irritating animal has dug up the soil around a newly planted plum tree.. I believe I have found it standing there with half its roots bare on at least 5 mornings this summer, but it hasn't suffered as far as I can tell.  Now, the only damage that this animal does is make the place look a mess (and some smaller plants sometimes are lying on the ground beside the hole). My suspicion is that it is a badger (I have seen one near us) and that he finds some small animals to eat. Any tips on deterring badgers?? (If it is indeed a badger) I tried planting garlic cloves around plants near which I often find holes. Can't say yet if it helps. Thought it might deter whatever animal it is the badger is after. One person suggested ground coffee.. that seems not to have helped.  Thanks in advance! Gunnar

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