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Guys! My ankles are covered in red welts, victims of a recent mosquito attack, which is surprising because I’m not usually a mosquito magnet.
There are conflicting opinions about why the little ne’er-do-wells seem to target some folks and spare others, typically me, from their blood-sucking endeavors. Scientific studies point to everything from the carbon dioxide we exhale, our cholesterol levels and our blood type (AB and O are reported to be favorite libations), to the color of our clothing (they seem to prefer dark shades), pregnancy and even what we last ate or drank (beer is a suspected attractant).
But fear not: There are easy steps you can take to reduce or eliminate mosquitoes from your yard and garden, and it happens that the best control is prevention.
📬 Ask Jessica
DEAR JESSICA: I planted a couple of rows of corn, peas and beans in a new garden spot, and the raccoons have found it. Any suggestions on how to save what’s left? — Wanda Graves, Greenville, Mich.
DEAR WANDA: I’m sorry the raccoons have ravaged your vegetable garden. Squirrels have done a number on my tomatoes this year, so I feel your pain.
The only 100% surefire way to keep wildlife out of your garden is to install a barrier, like a fence. But absent that, there are some remedies you can try.
I’m having some success spraying my tomatoes every couple of days with a couple of tablespoons of hot pepper sauce mixed in a quart of water. I haven’t tried this personally against raccoons, but I know others who have. Cayenne and chili are said to be the most effective peppers to use.
In addition, sprinkling blood meal on vegetables and ears of corn can fool critters like raccoons into thinking a predator is nearby. I’ve also heard anecdotally of baby powder providing some protection.
Next year, you might try planting squash around and among your other crops. Raccoons don’t like their prickly leaves.
Good luck!
💡 If you do one thing this week…
Start dividing and transplanting spring bloomers, like iris and peonies. Summer- and fall-blooming plants should wait until spring.
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Grab one of the remaining copies of my 2022 Day-by-Day Gardening Calendar at half price — just $12.50—while they last! That’s less than 25 cents a week for 365 garden tips and chores.
If you’re unfamiliar, hanging one of these babies on your wall is like having a complete gardening course in a wall calendar! I’ve included 365 tips and chores to ensure your garden stays on track every day of the year. You’ll never miss a sowing, planting, fertilizing, pest-control or other important gardening date again!
By the end of the year, I promise, you’ll have earned a green thumb! Plus, your wall will be adorned with award-winning photography provided by The Weekly Dirt readers.
Grab one today while it’s on your mind because when they’re gone, they’re gone (and I’m not going to publish a wall calendar for 2023). Take a look:
👏 Sunday shoutout
Joel Kessler of Holbrook, NY, shares these photos of his tomato garden, with plants nearly as tall as he is.
Here’s hoping the squirrels and raccoons leave your tomatoes alone, Joel!
Send in your photo, and you could be featured next!
📰This week in my Associated Press gardening column
I write a weekly gardening column for the AP so that you might have seen my byline in your local paper (or news website) — wherever in the world you happen to be. In case you miss it, though, I’ll post the most recent here every week.
Mosquitoes: How to take your garden and yard back from mosquitoes.
Harvesting potatoes: Knowing when to dig up potatoes can be tricky! Some tips.
Attracting birds to your garden: Follow my tips for creating a bird-friendly habitat.
Monarch butterflies are in trouble: Newly categorized as “endangered,” the beloved monarch needs our help. The good news: It doesn’t take much.
Gardening in drought? Get my tips for keeping your plants alive and thriving — and some surprising water sources to use whether or not you’re under restrictions.
Let’s be friends! Follow me @JesDamiano on Instagram
📧 How’m I doing?
I welcome your comments and suggestions, so please send them along — as well as any topics you’d like to see covered and questions you’d like answered in the Ask Jessica section.
And if you’re enjoying this newsletter, please share it with a friend!
is there anything you can do about rabbits. ever since the nursery on n broadway in n massapequa closed about 6 yrs ago, the neighborhood is full of rabbits and they destroy the annuals and perranials............................thanks
Hi Jessica, You mentioned that the squirrels did a number on your tomatoes this year. Last year, for the first time, the squirrels did not destroy my tomatoes. Then I learned something. Did you ever notice that squirrels only take a couple bites out of the tomato and then leave the rest behind? Turns out they really don't like tomatoes. They (and other critters) will take a few bites out of tomatoes because they have a high water content, and they are thirsty. Last year I added (and actually maintained) several birdbaths, and thought it was quite cute to watch the squirrels drink from them (and we caught the racoons doing the same on our ring camera, at night). Turns out I not only benefitted the birds and the bees (I saw them drinking too - you just need to provide a stick or a rock they can sit on, so they don't drown), but I saved my tomatoes too! Happy gardening!