As a cannabis grower, you put a lot of effort into ensuring your plants are healthy and thriving. However, one of the biggest challenges outdoor growers face is protecting their crops from animals. Whether it's deer, rabbits, or even squirrels, outdoor cannabis plants can become a tempting target for a variety of creatures. Here are some tips on how to protect your outdoor cannabis plants from animals.
- Fence in Your Garden
The best way to protect your outdoor cannabis plants from animals is to put up a fence around your garden. Depending on the size of your garden, you may need to install a tall fence to prevent deer from jumping over it. If you're dealing with smaller animals like rabbits and squirrels, a shorter fence may suffice.
When installing a fence, make sure it's anchored securely into the ground to prevent animals from burrowing underneath it. Also, be sure to choose a fence that's sturdy enough to withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Use Netting
Another effective way to protect your outdoor cannabis plants from animals is to cover them with netting. This is especially useful if you're dealing with birds or squirrels. You can use bird netting or chicken wire to keep animals from accessing your plants.
Netting is also a good option if you have a larger garden and don't want to install a fence around the entire area. You can simply cover the plants with netting and secure it with stakes or weights to keep it in place.
- Use Repellents
There are a variety of animal repellents on the market that you can use to keep animals away from your outdoor cannabis plants. Some popular options include coyote urine, predator scent repellents, and hot pepper spray.
Coyote urine is a natural repellent that can be effective in keeping deer and other animals away from your plants. Predator scent repellents mimic the smell of a predator and can be effective in scaring off smaller animals like rabbits and squirrels.
Hot pepper spray is another popular option that works by irritating animals' senses of smell and taste. This can be an effective deterrent for a variety of animals, including deer and rabbits.
- Plant Companion Plants
Another way to protect your outdoor cannabis plants from animals is to plant companion plants around them. Companion plants are plants that are grown alongside other plants to provide a variety of benefits, such as pest control and improved soil quality.
Some companion plants that can help protect your cannabis plants from animals include marigolds, lavender, and mint. These plants have strong scents that can mask the smell of your cannabis plants and help deter animals from coming near them.
- Install Motion-Activated Lights
If you're dealing with nocturnal animals like raccoons, installing motion-activated lights around your garden can be an effective way to scare them off. When the lights turn on, they'll startle the animals and make them think there's a predator nearby.
Motion-activated lights are also a good option if you're worried about theft. They can deter thieves from approaching your garden and stealing your plants.
- Use Noise Deterrents
Another way to deter animals from your garden is to use noise deterrents. This can include wind chimes, bells, and even radios. The noise can startle animals and make them think there's a predator nearby.
It's important to note that noise deterrents may not be effective for all animals. Some animals may become accustomed to the noise over time and ignore it.
- Try Scarecrows or Fake Predators
If you're dealing with birds or smaller animals like rabbits, scarecrows or fake predators can be an effective way to scare them off. These can include fake owls or even inflatable snakes.
The key to using scarecrows or fake predators is to move them around
periodically so that the animals don't get used to them being in one spot. This will help maintain their effectiveness as a deterrent.
- Keep Your Garden Clean
One simple way to deter animals from your garden is to keep it clean and tidy. Make sure there's no food or water sources that could attract animals to your garden. This includes removing any fallen fruit or vegetables from the ground, as well as keeping trash cans securely closed.
Keeping your garden clean also includes regularly removing dead leaves and other debris from your plants. This can help prevent pests from taking up residence in your garden and potentially attracting larger animals.
In Conclusion
Protecting your outdoor cannabis plants from animals can be a challenging task, but it's essential to ensure a healthy and successful harvest. By following the tips outlined above, you can help deter animals from your garden and protect your plants from damage.
Remember to choose a method that works best for the type of animals you're dealing with and consider using a combination of methods for the best results. By putting in the effort to protect your plants, you can ensure that they grow and thrive to their full potential. Happy growing!
