🦌 Gardening with Javelina and Other Backyard Animals 🦌

Top 10 Gardener with Ken Lain

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! If you're gardening in the Southwest, you're likely familiar with javelina – those wild, pig-like animals that can wreak havoc on your backyard oasis. But don't despair! There are ways to protect your plants while still enjoying a beautiful garden.

Javelina are natural foragers, rooting for grubs and tasty roots. Unfortunately, your prized vegetables and flowers often become part of their buffet. While they can eat almost anything, some plants are naturally resistant.

Consider planting Cotoneaster or Juniper. These shrubs have a strong scent that javelina dislike. Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina) is another excellent choice. It's low-maintenance and has a white sap that deters these critters.

Many flowering shrubs, like Smokebush, Crape Myrtle, and Rose of Sharon, are also left alone. And if you love spring blooms, Forsythia, flowering quince, and lilacs are generally safe bets.

Remember, though, there's no foolproof vegetable that javelina won't eat. If you want to grow your own food, consider fencing off a dedicated area or growing in raised beds on your deck.

Remember, gardening in javelina country requires a bit of strategy. But with the right plants and some smart precautions, you can still enjoy a thriving garden.

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🦌 Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

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