What materials can be applied as soil topping to frustrate squirrels attempting to dig near newly planted asters?
Answer
Small, crushed gravel or coarse sand.
One recommended physical tactic for deterring squirrels from investigating or caching food in the soil around plants is soil topping. This method aims to make the act of digging frustrating and unproductive for the squirrel. The text specifies that applying a layer of small, crushed gravel or coarse sand on the surface achieves this goal effectively. This contrasts sharply with fine materials like soft potting mix, which squirrels prefer because it mimics ideal caching conditions. The rough, hard nature of gravel or coarse sand prevents easy penetration and manipulation of the soil layer.
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