How to Protect Seedlings from Pests

Starting plants from seed is an economical way to get large quantities of plants for your garden. However delicate seedlings are vulnerable to damage from animal pests like birds squirrels, and rodents. Protecting your seedlings will give them the best chance at growing into strong, healthy plants. In this article, we’ll explore several methods for safeguarding seedlings from common garden pests.

Keep Seedlings Out of Reach

One of the easiest ways to protect seedlings is to start them in a location that pests can’t access. An outdoor structure like a greenhouse or cold frame is ideal, but a sunny windowsill or table indoors will also work. Just be sure to gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting. If you must start seeds outside, use barriers to keep pests away.

Employ Physical Barriers

Physical barriers that prevent pests from reaching seedlings are very effective. Chicken wire or hardware cloth formed into cylinders or cages around plants keeps out digging rodents. Small mesh netting draped over seed trays obstructs birds. Plastic bottles with the bottoms removed make mini greenhouses over individual plants. Cloches, old windows and glass or plastic cold frames are other options. Weigh down covers to stop animals from burrowing underneath. Remove covers once seedlings are established.

Use Protective Containers

Sow seeds in containers with small drainage holes that exclude insects but allow water to penetrate. Plugging holes with steel wool deters crawling insects. Dome-shaped wire egg baskets inverted over seedling flats create protective cages. Sturdy plastic cell packs also guard tender stems and leaves. Group containers together inside larger barriers for added security.

Employ Repellents

Natural or chemical animal repellents applied around the perimeter of planting areas provide odor and taste barriers. Sprinkling hot pepper powder, blood meal, garlic, or onion around seedlings may deter furry pests. Some gardeners report success mixing cayenne pepper with water and spraying plants. Commercially available animal repellents, either natural or synthetic, are another option. Reapply repellents frequently, especially after rain or watering.

Use Scare Tactics

Scarecrows, replicas of predators, or distress calls frighten some animal pests. Lifelike plastic owls with head motion deter birds. Flashing pie pans, old CDs, and pinwheels that glint and move in the breeze startle foragers. Some gardeners swear by ammonia-soaked rags hung nearby. Others use battery-operated ultrasonic devices with mixed results. Relocate and vary scare tactics regularly so pests don’t become accustomed.

Employ Raised Beds

Elevated growing beds with vertical sides measuring at least 12 inches tall exclude burrowing animals. Use hardware cloth or wire mesh to line beds and prevent digging. Place large gravel, rocks, or bricks around the perimeter. A layer of hardware cloth laid horizontally beneath the soil blocks underground access. Make sure beds are fully enclosed with no gaps for pests to enter.

Use Row Covers

Floating spunbond polyester row covers drape directly over plants to create protective tents. Anchor edges securely with rocks, boards, or landscape staples. Row covers allow air, light, and water through while keeping pests off seedlings. Ventilate covers on hot days. Remove during bloom for pollinators to access plants. Support covers over upright crops with hoops.

Practice Companion Planting

Interplanting seedlings with pest-repelling plants offers chemical deterrence. Strongly scented herbs like thyme, sage, oregano, and dill may mask delicious aromas. Alliums such as onions, garlic, and chives exude sulfur compounds. Spiky rosemary bushes provide physical barriers. Nasturtiums and marigolds release airborne chemicals that chase away certain insects.

Control Weeds

Vigilantly eliminate weeds around seedlings. Dense weeds shelter slugs, snails, and other pests, allowing populations to explode. Regular hoeing and hand weeding keeps plants exposed. Spreading a layer of straw or leaves as mulch smothers weeds. For organic weed control, try corn gluten meal, which inhibits seed germination. Keep the garden free of debris that gives pests cover.

Check for Pests Daily

Early detection of pests before extensive damage occurs is critical. Scout seedlings carefully each day for chewed leaves, slime trails, frass, or crawling invaders. Watch for disturbances to soil or barriers that could allow pests inside. At the first sign of attack, take action to identify and manually remove pests. Target chemical treatments only where needed.

Provide Water Moats

Placing seed trays or pots in shallow saucers of water creates moats that deter crawling insects and slugs. Change water frequently to prevent mosquito breeding. An oily film of cooking spray or mineral oil on the water’s surface suffocates insects and slugs. Elevate containers above water level with jar lids or pebbles so seedlings don’t sit in soaked soil.

Protecting vulnerable seedlings from animal pests requires diligence and a multi-pronged approach. Physical barriers, scare tactics, repellents, and good cultural practices will help safeguard seedlings. Take time each day to monitor for pests. At the first sign of damage, respond quickly to prevent losses. With thoughtful preparation and vigilant monitoring, your seedlings will thrive into sturdy plants.