9 Best Plants to Keep Squirrels Out of the Garden

Plants for keeping squirrels out of the garden. Squirrels can quickly turn a beautiful garden into a disaster zone. From digging up bulbs to chewing tender crops, these rodents are relentless. Fortunately, certain plants naturally deter squirrels using strong scents or uninviting textures. By using these plants strategically, you can protect your garden without resorting to harsh chemicals.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best flowers, herbs, and ornamentals that repel squirrels. You'll also discover how to combine plant-based defenses with proven repellent products for maximum protection.

Why Use Plants to Repel Squirrels?

Squirrels have sensitive noses and dislike strong, bitter, or spicy smells. They also avoid prickly or toxic foliage. Planting these types of flora in and around your garden can act as a natural barrier.

Use these squirrel-deterring plants:

• Along garden borders

• In containers near entry points

• As companion plants around vulnerable crops

• Around porches, bird feeders, and fruit trees

Let’s explore the most effective plants that will help keep squirrels out of your garden.

1. Alliums (Garlic, Onion, Leeks)

Alliums release a pungent smell that squirrels find overwhelming. Their strong sulfur compounds irritate the rodents' senses and drive them away. Use alliums as companion plants near tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, and cucumbers to keep your edibles safe. These plants are also resistant to many insect pests, offering dual protection.

2. Daffodils

Daffodils bloom in late winter to early spring and contain lycorine, a chemical toxic to squirrels and other mammals. Their bright flowers offer aesthetic value, while their smell and toxicity help repel unwanted visitors. Plant daffodils in borders or in clusters near bulbs that squirrels often target, such as tulips.

3. Common Snowdrop

These delicate white flowers are early bloomers and contain galantamine, a compound that deters many animals. Common snowdrops are ideal for planting around trees, rocks, and ponds. While beautiful, these flowers die back by late spring. Consider pairing them with summer bloomers to ensure consistent coverage.

Caution: Snowdrops are mildly toxic. Keep pets and children at a safe distance.

4. Lily of the Valley

Lily of the Valley produces small, fragrant flowers that give off a strong scent disliked by squirrels. However, it spreads aggressively through underground rhizomes and may overtake your garden. While beautiful, this plant is highly toxic to humans and pets. Use it cautiously in fenced or container gardens.

5. Geraniums

Geraniums, especially scented varieties, emit citrusy or spicy scents that squirrels dislike. Hardy and zonal types both work well in gardens and containers. Place them on porches, near windows, or around vulnerable flowerbeds. Their versatility makes them excellent squirrel deterrents for both ground and raised areas.

6. Snake’s Head Fritillary

This striking flower mimics a snake’s skin pattern and emits a scent similar to fox musk—a natural predator of squirrels. Though effective, the plant is toxic if ingested and may cause skin irritation. Use it with care, especially in areas pets frequent. Plant these bulbs near fences, sheds, or under trees where squirrels often travel. Plants for keeping squirrels out of the garden. 

7. Hyacinths

Hyacinths provide strong floral scents that are attractive to humans and pollinators but repellent to squirrels. Their bulbs are also toxic, which discourages digging. Use hyacinths to line pathways or create protective perimeters around vegetable beds. These flowers bloom in early spring and offer vibrant color.

8. Marigolds

Marigolds emit a powerful fragrance that deters many garden pests, including squirrels. Their roots release chemicals that repel soil-borne nematodes. These low-maintenance annuals are great for companion planting and border control. Note that in warmer climates, marigolds can self-seed aggressively.

9. Peppermint and Other Mints

Peppermint’s potent aroma overwhelms squirrel senses. Grow it in pots or garden edges to create an invisible fence. Avoid planting directly in soil, as mint spreads rapidly and may become invasive. You can also crush leaves or create peppermint sprays for added protection around entry points.

Enhance Your Strategy with Nature’s MACE

While planting deterrents helps, it’s not always enough to stop a persistent squirrel problem. That’s where Nature’s MACE Rodent MACE comes in. This powerful squirrel repellent spray uses natural, scent-based technology to protect your:

• Vegetable gardens

• Flowerbeds

• Wiring and insulation

• Outdoor furniture

• Deck railings and sheds

Rodent MACE is non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe to use around children, pets, and wildlife when applied as directed. It creates a long-lasting scent barrier that squirrels learn to avoid.

For best results, use Rodent MACE in combination with squirrel-repellent plants to protect your space year-round.

Final Thoughts

Squirrels may be clever, but they’re no match for a smart planting strategy backed by natural repellents. Incorporate these deterrent plants throughout your landscape to reduce squirrel damage and protect your hard work. Pair your efforts with Nature’s MACE Rodent MACE to enjoy lasting, eco-friendly protection against these relentless garden invaders.

Reclaim your garden—naturally and safely—with plant-powered defense and trusted products from Nature’s MACE. Plants for keeping squirrels out of the garden.