Summertime is here, and with it comes gardening season. If you’re like me, you love the idea of eating organic without having to pay the hefty grocery bill. Planting a garden allows you to do just that.
Eating healthy is important for people of all ages, but it is especially important for babies. What could be better than feeding your baby steamed green beans, broccoli, or carrots straight from the garden?
When you plant your own food, you control exactly what goes into growing it: the soil, the fertilizer, and the pest control.
I’m able to plant a garden for the first time this year. I grew up in the city, and the biggest problem my mom ever had with her gardens was neighbor kids stealing cobs of corn. I’ve never had a garden where hungry critters were a problem; however, the place we currently live is full of deer and rabbits.
Because our daughter will be crawling and toddling all over our yard this summer, I absolutely will not use poison to keep the animals at bay. Even if I could be sure she’d stay out of the garden, I don’t want my family eating vegetables with poison residue on them. I’ve done some research on safe ways to keep my plants intact, and wanted to share them with you.
First, you may want to invest in a high, wire fence. It’s probably the simplest fix, although it requires some money up front.
If a fence isn’t in your budget, try one of these homemade recipes with supplies you likely have around the house.
Egg Spray
Blend 5-6 eggs and mix with 1 gallon of water. Add a little glue or soap to help the solution stick to leaves. Spray on and around plants. The smell of rotten eggs will deter animals, but won’t be strong enough to bother humans.
Pepper Spray
Mix one tablespoon of cayenne pepper and one tablespoon of black pepper in gallon of water. Again, add a little glue or soap to help the solution stick. Spray liberally on plants. Animals will be discouraged from nibbling leaves because of the spice.
Both sprays will need to be reapplied after a heavy rain. Avoid using the spray directly before harvesting your crop, as the residue may be strong and difficult to wash off.
We have decided to give the pepper spray a try, and are hoping for good results.
These animal deterrents are completely natural and safe to use around small children. Give them a try, and be confident you’re making a healthy choice for your family.