We continue our conversation with retired horticulture professor Debbie Flower about the critters that are munching on your backyard tomatoes. Last time, we discussed the smaller pests: hornworms, fruit worms, fruit beetles, snails, slugs, earwigs. This time we tackle the larger interlopers who are getting into your tomatoes: rats, squirrels, birds, possum, raccoons, and, of course, deer.
Plus, we talk with farm advisor Rachael Long about inviting an eager rodent hunter onto your property…barn owls...if you’ve got the room.

Links:
"Deer in My Garden" (Controlling deer with unappetizing plants) by Carolyn Singer
"Managing Deer Damage" from the University of Maryland
"Low Cost Fence keeps Deer Out" From Good fruit Grower magazine.

Bird Netting for Garden Protection from Wilson Orchard & Vineyard Supply

Garden Animal Tracks Guide
Earwig Control Tips
Tree Squirrel Control Tips
Ground Squirrel Control Tips
Possum Control Tips
Gopher Control Tips
Rat Control Tips
Vole, Meadow Mice Control Tips

Snail, Slug Control Tips
Pet-safe Slug, Snail control products
Copper Barriers for snail, slug control

“Songbird, Bat and Owl Boxes” book info:
Barn owl nest box plans
Using barn owls for rodent control
More Info on songbirds, bats, and owls

More episodes and info including live links, product information, transcripts, and chapters available at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629.

Garden Basics comes out every Tuesday and Friday. It's available wherever podcasts are found.

Got a garden question? Call and leave a question, or text us the question: 916-292-8964. E-mail: [email protected] or, leave a question at the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram locations below. Be sure to tell us where you are when you leave a question, because all gardening is local.

All About Farmer Fred:
Farmer Fred website: http://farmerfred.com
Daily Garden tips and snark on Twitter
The Farmer Fred Rant! Blog
Facebook:  "Get Growing with Farme

Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter.