Fall container gardens bring so much beauty to porches and patios—but if you’ve ever had squirrels tearing up your pots, you know how frustrating it can be. The good news? With a few design tricks (and the right plant choices), you can keep your fall planters looking fresh and squirrel-free all season long!
Here’s our recipe for a gorgeous, squirrel deterrent fall container garden that’s just as beautiful as it is practical.
Why Squirrels Dig in Your Pots
The thing about squirrels is this: they’re not usually eating your plants, they’re digging in the soil. That means the best way to deter them is by eliminating the opportunity. The less bare soil you leave showing, the less likely squirrels are to mess with your container.
Step 1: Pack Your Pots Full of Plants
Start by planting your fall favorites closely together so hardly any soil is visible. A full, lush pot is not only beautiful, it also makes it nearly impossible for squirrels to dig.
We used some traditional fall favorites like:
- Ornamental Peppers (bonus—they can be a bit spicy, which squirrels don’t love!)
- Mums
- Dusty Miller
- Cabbage
- Pansies
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Celosia
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Wire Vine (a must-have: its fine texture weaves across the surface like natural netting squirrels can't dig through)
Step 2: Add In Some Branches
Inserting a few decorative branches into your pot adds height, movement, and an extra obstacle for curious squirrels. They won’t want to dig around sturdy stems.
Step 3: Avoid Squirrel Magnets
Some classic fall décor actually attracts squirrels. Skip:
- Pumpkins
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Gourds
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Millet, milo berries, and lotus pods (all have seeds inside squirrels can’t resist)
Step 4: Use Squirrel-Resistant Accents
Instead, decorate with elements that look festive but deter squirrels:
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Dried Eucalyptus – Adds gorgeous color plus a scent squirrels dislike.
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Mintola Balls – These natural accents have the same effect as a gourd or pumpkin, but squirrels stay away.
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Spanish Moss – Spread across the soil surface to cover any open space and make digging nearly impossible.
Enjoy The Finished Design
With tightly packed plants, structural branches, and accents squirrels can’t stand, you’ll have a fall planter that’s beautiful from every angle—and tough enough to resist curious critters. Instead of dealing with scattered soil, you’ll enjoy a lush, colorful design all season long.
Try This Recipe at Home
Ready to DIY your own squirrel-resistant planter? Use this recipe as inspiration, or stop by our Strasburg greenhouse to pick up all the plants and accents you’ll need. Of course, our team would also be happy to design one for you—so you can enjoy seasonal beauty without any of the fuss (or the squirrels!).
