How do I stop squirrels digging up bulbs?

Ah, I completely sympathise with your frustration. I’ve lost more than a few bulbs to those cheeky diggers myself! It can feel personal when you find disturbed soil and bulbs tossed aside, but the truth is these garden pests are simply following natural instincts. But this is why so many gardeners search for advice on how to stop squirrels digging up bulbs each year.

One light-hearted tip many gardeners swear by is grating a little biodegradable, strongly scented soap into the hole as you plant the bulbs, then sprinkling a bit on the surface. Use sparingly and avoid antibacterial soaps. The strong scent can help to put squirrels off, though results can vary.

Squirrels aren’t trying to ruin your display. They’re just opportunistic creatures with an incredible drive to bury food for winter. Research estimates there are around 2.7 million grey squirrels in the UK, with activity peaking in autumn when natural food sources decline.

Each autumn, their energy goes into foraging and caching thousands of items, ensuring they have enough to survive the colder months. In this busy season, freshly dug soil and the scent of bulbs make them irresistible targets.

It isn’t mischief, it’s survival behaviour. For us gardeners, the real task is protecting bulbs from squirrels whilst still welcoming wildlife into the garden.

One of the most reliable methods is to lay a piece of rigid metal mesh, like chicken wire, over planted bulbs. Secure the edges firmly so no gaps remain, and avoid loose netting that could snag wildlife. Then hide it neatly under mulch. Squirrels can’t dig through, but your bulbs will push upwards without difficulty.

For flowerbeds, place groups of bulbs into strong planting baskets topped with chicken wire. Sink the basket to the correct depth so it remains hidden. This method protects large displays and prevents soil disturbance. In pots, the same approach is just as effective, while remaining less visible and more practical in smaller spaces.

Typically, once the shoots emerge and bulbs start growing, squirrels lose interest, so you can remove the mesh or wire. By this stage, bulbs are less vulnerable and growth continues without interference. The barrier offers protection during the critical early weeks when squirrels are most likely to dig.

Nature can lend a hand when it comes to protecting your bulbs. Many popular spring varieties are toxic or unpalatable to squirrels. Spring bulbs like daffodils, fritillarias, hyacinths, alliums, snowdrops, muscari and irises are often left untouched compared to other bulbs. These natural defences make them excellent choices if you want a reliable display without constant protection.

If you are fond of tulips or crocuses, you do not need to abandon them entirely. Planting tulip bulbs or crocus bulbs alongside stronger-scented or poisonous bulbs reduces the risk of damage. Squirrels are guided by smell and taste, so the presence of deterrent varieties makes your display less inviting and more confusing to investigate.

A mixture of bulb types also creates variety in height, colour, and flowering time, so the display is more vibrant as well as better protected. By blending tempting bulbs with deterrent ones, you achieve both beauty and a natural barrier that discourages repeated digging.

Note: several spring bulbs are toxic if eaten, so plant them where pets and children will not dig, and wash hands after handling.

Most squirrels rarely dig deeper than 6 inches, or around 15 cm. By planting bulbs slightly deeper at 6–8 inches, you greatly reduce the chance of them being disturbed. Tulips in particular respond well to deeper planting, as the extra soil above the bulb helps anchor them securely and promotes stronger root growth.

It’s important, however, to stick within the recommended planting depth for each bulb type. Planting too deeply may prevent them from growing successfully, whilst planting too shallow leaves them vulnerable to squirrels and weather.

Aim for two to three times the height of the bulb in soil depth, which balances good development with added protection.

Timing also plays an important role in keeping bulbs safe. Squirrels are busiest in early autumn when caching food is at its peak. Wait until late October or November for tulips. This means less squirrel activity and cooler soil, both of which support compact, healthy growth.

Combining the right depth with later planting gives you the best chance of strong, undisturbed blooms.

One simple option is to use strong-smelling barriers. Top-dressing pots and beds with 2–3 cm of horticultural grit or slate chippings helps mask bulb scent and makes digging harder.

Some gardeners also try sprinkling or placing scented deterrents such as chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, coffee grounds, or peppermint oil. These aromas can overwhelm the squirrels’ sensitive noses and make the area less inviting. If you use them, apply sparingly, keep them contained, and avoid scattering loose powders where they might irritate pets, children, or other wildlife. Refresh after heavy rain to maintain effectiveness.

Diversion feeding can backfire by attracting more squirrels. If you try it, keep it very short term, place it far from bulb beds, and clean feeders weekly. Many gardeners prefer not to encourage extra visits at all.

Ultimately, repellents and diversions work best as part of a wider plan. Combining scent barriers with smart planting techniques or physical protection gives the highest chance of success without harming the natural balance in your garden.

Another option is to make digging uncomfortable rather than impossible. Lay a loose lattice of twigs or blunt-ended canes across the soil surface. This creates a gentle obstacle that doesn’t harm wildlife but makes scratching awkward. Rotate the placement every so often, as squirrels are clever and may learn to work around fixed patterns.

This method works especially well in pots or small borders where creating a physical barrier like wire would be awkward. It blends into the soil more discreetly, keeping your display neat while still adding protection. The irregular texture beneath the surface is often enough to put squirrels off trying.

Some gardeners also find success piling autumn leaves over planting areas, then covering the leaves with a layer of burlap fixed securely in place. Make sure the fabric is tight to the ground with no loose loops where wildlife could snag. This combination hides freshly dug soil while insulating the bulbs beneath. In spring, the cover can be removed easily when the shoots begin to appear, leaving healthy plants undisturbed.

Together, these humane tricks are effective, affordable, and quick to set up. They also suit gardeners who prefer natural solutions that protect bulbs without creating lasting barriers in the soil.

Integrating multiple strategies is key:

1. Start with physical barriers: chicken wire or netting.
2. Plant deeper and at smarter times: delay planting to mid–late autumn.
3. Choose resistant varieties: mix in daffodils, alliums, etc.
4. Add natural repellents: coffee grounds, chili powder, garlic.
5. Try diversion tactics or novel tricks: squirrel feeders away from bulbs, or the stick trick.