I got chipmunks

[jmbar2]

I've been putting in a new garden on a sandy slope on the Oregon coast. It has been a much more complex project than I anticipated due to the need to construct it so that water can flow downhill without taking the garden with it.

I have finished a narrow raised bed and put out my first seeds. Now I see chipmunks running all around it.

I am not familiar with the little critters. I had planned only on planting salad greens, carrots and beets in this bed so as not to attract birds. Now I'm wondering if it's worth finishing the beds only to have everything eaten by the 'munks.

Is this garden doomed?

[CrispyQ]

1. IDK, but you should take pics.

I love chipmunks! They are so adorable. That said, I don't have a garden & I only get an occasional one. Good luck working it all out!

[jmbar2]

4. They are pretty cute

[bullimiami]

2. Love our chipmunks.

[Ka-Dinh Oy]

3. Pictures please.

I miss seeing chipmunks. I used to see them when I lived in the country but now I live in an apartment where I only see squirrels ( not that that is bad at all ) but I miss the chipmunks.

[jmbar2]

5. I'll try but they move pretty fast.

[questionseverything]

6. Try sprinkling red pepper

Should run them off

[jmbar2]

8. thanks!

[Pobeka]

12. Yep. If you want to go "big guns", get thai birds eye (little) red peppers. Grind them, sprinkle

When you grind them, be ready for the fumes, especially if you are sensitive to that kind of thing. They are so seriously hot that even in an enclosed coffee grinder the fumes can be a little overpowering.

I haven't seen a mole in 5 years since I sprinkled this on the garden beds and entry points into the lawn. Works for raccoons, squirrels, outdoor rats too (yeah, urban lots, there are rats).

[jmbar2]

14. Does it alter the soil chemistry or affect the seeds?

[Pobeka]

15. I wouldn't put it right on the seed planting site. Run it around the perimeter of the garden.

The ground squirrels will figure it out fast, and give the garden a very wide berth.

I haven't seen any effects on perenials or semi-annuals which certainly have roots that are directly under where I've sprinkled it. You don't need much, just a dusting. I even lightly stir it into the soil to make sure it doesn't blow or wash away. It's certainly not enough to affect soil chemistry.

Just gestimating, about 2 tablespoons would be enough for a 10 foot edge.

[jmbar2]

19. Thanks so much!

[MyOwnPeace]

7. I've had good luck with

a product and if we were allowed to tell the name I'd tell you "Critter Crumbs" - but I don't think we're allowed to do that.

[jmbar2]

9. that's a good hint - thanks!

[lastlib]

10. (it's probly OK--it's not Goya beans.....)

[MyOwnPeace]

11. Do THEY work?

[jmbar2]

13. I'm glad that you clarified that

[MyOwnPeace]

16. Work against chimpmunks?

Probably about as well as MAGA beans....

[lastlib]

17. Well, if I was chipmunk....

(or any other sentient creature), I would stay away from them!

Touche, my friend! - - -

[MyOwnPeace]

18. Well, if BunkerBoy recommended them......

I'd stay away too!


Merci, mon ami! .....

[BigmanPigman]

20. We had a house in the woods with tons of chipmunks

but we only noticed them eating nuts (acorns).

[jmbar2]

21. I haven't seen them digging yet

I think they are drawn to my garden steps -- they are built of concrete blocks with the holes open so that the water can flow through. I think it has created nesting areas. (Until the next rains).

[TygrBright]

22. I have gophers. Trade ya. n/t

[jmbar2]

23. Nah...

Gophers are the worst! The ninjas of the landscape.

[TygrBright]

24. You got that right. n/t