How can I keep cats off my garden?
Question:
Although I am 57 years old I am new to gardening, 3 years only. I have a major problem with cats, and have been assured by an old gardener that putting out banana skins in my borders will help reduce and maybe solve the problem altogether. Another has said that it cannot hurt; at least it will put some goodness (nitrogen) back into the soil. I try to grow perennial plants mainly are there any plants that you can suggest that will grow well in nitrogen enriched soil.
Answer:
I have not heard of using banana skins to deter cats but sometimes the old ways are the best. My solution is to leave as little bare earth as possible or by using large grade gravel which they can't dig easily. As for nitrogen loving plants. All plants need nitrogen and will take what they need from the soil, leaving the rest behind which usually gets washed away with the rain. The most important indicator of which plants you can grow well is the acidity of the soil. If you have an acid soil (pH below 7) you will be able to grow such plants as Hydrangea and Rhododendron but they won't grow well in soil which is above a pH of 7. However, if you do have a pH greater than 7 then you will be able to grow most plants available in your garden centre. You can buy a pH soil tester quite cheaply at your garden centre.
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