Our empty raised garden beds appear to be a favorite restroom spot for cats in our neighborhood (and there are many). Planting seeds or new plant starts is a crapshoot... literally! We came up with an easy, inexpensive solution.
Awesome! Orange peels work real well, too (for a temporary fix)! Our cat cowers away from them like a vampire!
My hands are either covered in soil, or covered in flour. Whether it's plants or yeasted bread, I will grow something beautiful from the simplest of things.
I have used orange peels in my house plants and I agree they work well. I have one cat that will find my glass of ice water and drink from it , I have learned to use a lemon slice in the water , she will NOT touch the water with lemon.
My MIL has the same problem but her beds aren't raised. I will tell her about the orange and lemon peels. She tried chicken wire but then the weeds grow up and make a mess. She isn't up to removing and replacing and crawling around weeding that patch (83 with both knees replaced). She had a raised bed put in last year after seeing mine and she is thrilled with them. Plus they are on the south side of the house will full sun almost 24/7. She is a happy camper for that bed.
Cayenne pepper works. Last through several rains. You don't see it on plants or ground but cats get one whiff and they are gone. I buy the larger size at sams club. Container is plastic with a sprinkle top. Gently squeeze container as you move it back and forth in area you need to protect.
Name: Janice Hurd Thompsonville Village, Ct. (Zone 6a) "Where flowers bloom so does hope"
I found Cayenne pepper works well with the feral cats who love to roll in my cat mint, and for my bigger problem of the overpopulation of squirrels, who dig up anything newly planted. I like the idea of the bird netting for my raised boxes at the community garden, might give it a try this year.
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo F. Buscaglia