Someone's been digging in my pots

GreenThumbGal_07 · May 22, 2020

Well, I'm a bit frustrated.

I have several pots outside, with tomatoes, cucumbers and melons planted.

Someone/some creature has decided that the loose potting soil is good to dig in.

I've seen evidence of the digging over the past few weeks.

I don't know whether it's a squirrel, cat, or dog. The most recent event had about a quart of soil lying outside the pot (felt fabric pot) and the pots had dents in the front, as if the creature had been leaning on the top edge as it dug in.

So, I decided that some sort of black plastic mulch was in order.

I took several 39-gal black plastic lawn and leaf bags, tore out the bottom seam, and placed them over each pot. I made the drawstring snug against the plant base at the top, and tied it.

I hope this discourages the critter, whatever it is. The soil part is now almost entirely covered. Also, this will help warm the soil for the melons, keep weeds down, and reduce the need for constant watering somewhat, I hope.

May 22, 2020	#1
GreenThumbGal_07 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern California Posts: 300	Someone's been digging in my pots Well, I'm a bit frustrated. I have several pots outside, with tomatoes, cucumbers and melons planted. Someone/some creature has decided that the loose potting soil is good to dig in. I've seen evidence of the digging over the past few weeks. I don't know whether it's a squirrel, cat, or dog. The most recent event had about a quart of soil lying outside the pot (felt fabric pot) and the pots had dents in the front, as if the creature had been leaning on the top edge as it dug in. So, I decided that some sort of black plastic mulch was in order. I took several 39-gal black plastic lawn and leaf bags, tore out the bottom seam, and placed them over each pot. I made the drawstring snug against the plant base at the top, and tied it. I hope this discourages the critter, whatever it is. The soil part is now almost entirely covered. Also, this will help warm the soil for the melons, keep weeds down, and reduce the need for constant watering somewhat, I hope.