Bone Meal And Screens For Deterring Wildlife From Bulbs

We have had the same problems. Last year when we planted tulip bulbs, we prepared the area with bone meal deep underneath the bulbs, as we are convinced that the bone meal is what they smell, and want to dig up. We then cut up some old screens and dense chicken wire and placed them over the area, securing them with lawn stakes. We laughed watching the squirrels try to get to them!

This last spring we sprayed the area with liquid fence and did not remove the wire/screens until we saw evidence of sprouting. Once they start to grow, I think they will leave them alone. We swear the use of liquid fence early in the spring deters them from nibbling on the new sprouts.

By Diane from Iowa City, IA