We plant a lot of flower bulbs and tubers in an area that is subject to mice and moles that attack underground. Plants like tulips, gladioli, lily and dahlias may be considered a feast for these animals.
Here we are showing a simple but very effective way to protect the bulbs and tubers from being taken from these unwanted visitors.
We use a plastic container with thin apertures that will allow the roots to grow into the ground but keeps away any animals that could eat or take the bulbs.
This is something that doesn’t prevent them of being eaten by animals that attack from the surface, like squirrels or birds, but to protect against these you can use proper net.
1. Dig a hole larger and deepper than the box and add some compost or fertilizer in the bottom. If your soil drains poorly, add some grit or sharp sand;
2. Place the box in the hole so it “lays confortably”. The important thing to note here is that the upper border should be slightly over the surface when burried. This will avoid the predators to escavate over the box and enter it.
3. When the box is in the correct position, add a layer of compost, grit or sand (or a mix) in the bottom where you will plant the bulbs.
4. Place the bulbs in the box (I guess we are putting a lot of bulbs here) and cover them with soil. Slightly press the soil so it makes good contact with the bulbs and eliminates any air pockets.
5. Give them a good soak and wait for them to grow up from the ground…
