I protect my seedlings with a DIY hack – my ‘critter cages’ are cheaper than similar garden buys & only cost $3 apiece
IF you’re looking for a way to protect your plants from critters without pesticides, this trick may be for you.
A gardening pro revealed the budget buy he uses to keep insects and animals from his flowerbeds.
In his viral video, Dom (@doms_epic_garden) demonstrated the simple hack for his followers.
The green-thumbed Instagrammer explained that he creates his own DIY critter cages.
He pointed out that his homemade solution costs “a fraction of the price” of a store-bought alternative.
“Keep your little seedlings safe and protected with this hack,” Dom said.
The gardening expert recommended placing a wire garbage can over your plants to prevent pests from eating them.
“Buy a wire waste basket for only $2 to $3 compared to a garden-specific one that can cost you upwards of $8 to $10,” he advised.
Chicken wire plant protectors are available in a pack of six for $90 from Amazon.
Wire waste baskets are available to buy from Dollar Tree for just $1.25.
As well as saving money, the baskets require no assembling or cable ties to set them up.
Dom placed two wire waste baskets over the plants in his flower bed to show how easily the trick works.
The experts at Epic Gardening recommended adding critter cages to your flowerbeds during spring.
“Cloches and critter cages will work best if used in spring after transplanting or whenever crops are most vulnerable,” they explained.
The professionals pointed out that the contraptions can also protect your plants from adverse weather conditions.
Whether there are strong winds or late snowfall, the cages will cover your crops.
Instagram users shared their thoughts on the recommendation in the comments section.
Tips for keeping pests from your garden
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- Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats.
- Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, Amazon, over your flowerbeds.
- Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs.
- Spray plants with Neem Oil, $9, Target, to repel ants, flies, and spiders.
- Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth, $8.26, Amazon.
- Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds.
- Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails.
“Brilliant!! I must use this for my cayenne pepper seedlings,” said one viewer.
“[I’m] not sure what [is] attacking them but by day three, they’re gone.”
“Cut open the top and plants can be tall with no [rabbits] nibbling at the ground level!” suggested another follower.
“I really like this idea, rabbits are always getting my basil,” commented a third person.
“OMG, GENIUS!! I was looking online for similar garden ones and they are ridiculously expensive!!” said another Instagram user.