Plant these now: 10 top plants that squirrels absolutely cannot stand

To help you protect your garden from squirrels, we have compiled a list of ten plants that are known to deter these pesky critters. These plants not only serve as a natural barrier against squirrels but also add beauty and diversity to your garden. From aromatic herbs to vibrant flowers, these plants offer a variety of options for creating a squirrel-free garden.

1. Alliums

2. Daffodils

3. Fritillaries

4. Galanthus (Snowdrops)

5. Hyacinths

6. Lily of the Valley

7. Geraniums

8. Peppermint

9. Crown Imperial

10. Marigolds

Alliums, which include garlic, onions, and chives, are part of the Amaryllidaceae family and are known for their strong, pungent smell. This odor is unappealing to squirrels, making alliums an excellent choice for deterring them. Planting alliums in your garden can create a natural barrier that squirrels are likely to avoid.

Alliums are also versatile plants that can be used in a variety of garden settings. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, making them ideal for borders, rock gardens, and even containers. With their striking globe-shaped flowers, alliums add both beauty and functionality to your garden.

Daffodils (Narcissus) are a popular springtime flower known for their bright yellow blooms. They contain lycorine, a toxic compound that is unpalatable to squirrels and other animals. This natural toxicity makes daffodils an effective deterrent against squirrels.

In addition to their squirrel-repelling properties, daffodils are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. They prefer well-drained soil and full to partial sun, and they can be planted in clusters for a striking visual effect. Daffodils are a cheerful addition to any garden and serve as a natural barrier against unwanted visitors.

Fritillaries are a group of flowering plants in the lily family, known for their unique bell-shaped flowers and checkered patterns. They emit a musky odor that is unpleasant to squirrels, making them an effective deterrent.

These plants thrive in well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade, making them suitable for woodland gardens and shaded borders. Fritillaries come in a variety of colors, including purple, yellow, and white, adding diversity and interest to your garden while keeping squirrels at bay.

Galanthus, commonly known as snowdrops, are delicate white flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring. Despite their fragile appearance, snowdrops contain galantamine, a natural compound that is toxic to squirrels and other animals.

Snowdrops prefer well-drained soil and partial shade, making them ideal for woodland gardens and shaded areas. Their early bloom time provides a welcome splash of color in the garden when few other plants are in flower. By planting snowdrops, you can enjoy their beauty while deterring squirrels from your garden.

Hyacinths are known for their vibrant colors and strong, sweet fragrance. While their scent is pleasant to humans, it is often overwhelming to squirrels, making hyacinths an effective deterrent.

These spring-blooming bulbs thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. They can be planted in borders, containers, or even as part of a mixed bulb display. With their striking appearance and squirrel-repelling properties, hyacinths are a valuable addition to any garden.

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a perennial plant known for its small, bell-shaped white flowers and sweet fragrance. Despite its delicate appearance, it contains cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to squirrels and other animals.

Lily of the Valley prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade, making it ideal for shaded garden areas. Its ability to spread and form dense colonies makes it an excellent ground cover that can help deter squirrels from entering your garden.

Geraniums are popular garden plants known for their colorful blooms and pleasant scent. However, their strong fragrance is often off-putting to squirrels, making them an effective deterrent.

Geraniums are versatile plants that can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, or garden beds. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. With their wide range of colors and squirrel-repelling properties, geraniums are a beautiful and functional addition to any garden.