Keep squirrels out of the garden for good with an easy-to-grow flower they can't stand – but you'll love

It’s easy to overlook squirrel control in spring and summer, but easing up now can quickly undo past efforts, especially if you want to protect potted plants, raised beds, and vegetable gardens.

The damage caused by these pests can vary wildly. But however frustrated you get with squirrels you need to try and take a realistic, relaxed, and balanced attitude. The days of reaching for a toxic pesticide to deal with unwanted visitors are long gone, and rightly so.

There is nothing wrong with aiming for pest management, but doing so in a non-toxic way is vital. Thankfully, there is one popular flower that can help get rid of squirrels before they become a nuisance. I've done my research and it's the most humane way to keep these critters away and allow your garden to flourish. The answer: marigolds.

Squirrels, albeit very cute critters, are notorious for digging up bulbs, biting into precious fruits, and chewing through stems. Squirrels can leave a trail of damage in our flower beds and container gardens. Learning how to grow marigolds can tip the balance in your favor and is, undoubtedly, the most humane way to keep your garden looking its best this summer.

How use marigolds to deter squirrels

Beloved for their vivid color and enduring blooms, marigolds offer more than just beauty to the garden – they’re also a natural deterrent to squirrels.

I bought this best-selling Marigold Seed Mix from Amazon, but you can also buy marigolds from any good plant nursery.

Marigolds are happy in most soils that do not dry out for long periods in summer or are continuously wet. They thrive in plenty of sunshine and can be planted in flower gardens, borders, or in containers. Match the eventual size of the marigolds to the size of the container.

Cultivate the soil to loosen it, work in some weed-free organic matter, such as good garden compost, to improve its moisture-holding capacity, and add a general fertilizer. It is also important to keep the area tidy and avoid leaving food scraps, which may attract other pests.

When planting marigolds in vegetable gardens, marigolds release a bold, distinctive scent that disrupts a squirrel’s keen sense of smell, masking the aroma of tempting bulbs and ripening vegetables. This makes them especially effective during peak squirrel activity in spring and early summer.

Non-toxic, low-maintenance, and effortlessly charming, marigolds are a sophisticated and practical addition to any high-end garden.

Planting marigolds is a great option to stop other pests from invading your garden. Their scent deters whiteflies and other aphids, and they have a long flowering season. A bit of companion planting doesn't do any harm either. Planting marigolds with other fragrant herbs, such as thyme, is a tried and tested pest deterrent powerhouse, and can help tomatoes grow stronger too.

If, for whatever reason you cannot plant marigolds, there is another option. Squirrels aren’t fond of the smell of pepper, apple cider vinegar or peppermint, so try mixing some of this up with water to make a DIY repellent to spray near your crops. It is a natural pest control method we love to use in smaller spaces or on balconies.

Shop marigolds, squirrel deterrents and tools

While no method guarantees total squirrel prevention, marigolds are an affordable and attractive tool in your pest control toolkit.