GREEN FINGERS
I’m a gardening pro – my 2p trick stops pesky squirrels digging up your plants & you probably already have the key item
Plus, the other cheap trick to keep squirrels away
THERE'S nothing worse as a gardener to discover a cheeky squirrel has savaged your plants.
After spending ages growing the greenery, squirrels are known to destroy plants, sometimes digging them up to hide food.
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But don't worry, it's easier than you might think to keep your plants in tip top condition this summer.
Members of a budgeting garden tips Facebook group revealed a quick and easy trick they swear by to keep the furry creatures away.
The trick involves inserting plastic forks with the tines facing upward in a circle around plants and bulbs.
This will deter squirrels without causing harm to them or other wildlife.
"I just did this yesterday. Checked this morning and no digging," one pleased gardener wrote in the group after trying it out.
The best part is that if you don't already have some plastic forks tucked away in a cupboard at home somewhere you can pick up a packet for pretty cheap.
Poundland offers packs of them for just £1, or you can pick some up from The Range for £1.79.
Since you don't need a lot of forks, this hack works out at just 2p per fork - a pretty good deal.
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Other tricks for deterring squirrels
Previously, an expert to Express.co.uk that coffee grounds also work well to stop squirrels causing havoc in gardens.
After researching a few different methods and looking through my kitchen cupboards to see if I already had anything I could use, I pulled out coffee grounds from the back of my cupboard," the expert said.
While most of us love a cup of joe in the morning, squirrels detest the smell of coffee.
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The gardening enthusiast explained that most plants also thrive when exposed to coffee grounds.
"I sprinkled a light dusting of coffee grounds onto every plant in the garden, making sure there was an even layer," she said.
And if you're hesitant to waste your high-end French roast, don't worry because any coffee will suffice.
The green-thumbed pro added: "This is significantly cheaper than buying object deterrents or installing motion-detector water sprays which could harm the animal.
"It is important not to fertilize plants too often with coffee grounds as it can lower the pH of the soil into the acidic range in the long run," she warned.
The expert advised amateur gardeners that the DIY solution will be less effective in the rain.
Keep pests out all summer
Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay.
Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent.
Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents.
Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mossies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.