For as long as I can remember, we've had squirrels in our yard. But, they weren't bothering our garden, so I didn't worry about them. In fact, I hadn't applied the Critter Ridder powder for the last 4-5 months. (Critter Ridder is a non-toxic pepper powder available at Home Depot and most garden stores.) Generally, I sprinkle the powder around the perimeter of the garden and in the wood chip walkway about once a month. Everything was growing so well that I forgot all about being proactive by using the powder. Well, now I'm paying for it.
A few days ago, I found bite marks in one of the Roma tomatoes. At the time, I wasn't sure what type of critter had dined in our Oasis. Then, the next afternoon, I strolled out to the garden to pick some cherry tomatoes. My two boxer dogs came with me. They always come romping along whenever I go to the garden. I opened the gate and saw a squirrel inside the garden bed. I'm not sure who was more startled, me or the squirrel. Anyway, a wild chase began within the Oasis. One dog came in the garden while the other waited outside. Both dogs were trying to catch the squirrel, which was running wildly throughout the U-shaped raised bed. Plants were trampled and cherry tomatoes were flying. Eventually, the squirrel ran out through the open gate and the two dogs followed. The boxers chased it into the bushes and I haven't seen the squirrel since.
I sprinkled Critter Ridder powder all around the garden and in the wood chip walkway. Hopefully, that will deter any future squirrels from visiting. I'm still waiting to see which plants will survive and which were killed off during the chase. I'm pretty sure the spinach that I recently transplanted is history. It's so disheartening to see a plant that you've started from seed and nurtured for weeks, be mutilated in a matter of a seconds. The Brussels sprouts, bok choy and broccoli plants were also damaged, but with a little luck, they might pull through.
On a positive note, the cauliflower is looking good.
The whole left side of the garden (where the giant zucchini plant was) is filling up again.
Also, the peppers are doing great. We'll have to make more salsa and other spicy things.
Speaking of spice, I used Serrano peppers and bell peppers to make some delicious Spicy Chicken Tacos (www.tacorecipes.net). With the Mesclun, I also made a spicy Arugula Salad With Lemon-Parmesan Dressing (www.epicurious.com). Another good recipe I tried is Sauteed Baby Vegetables (www.cooks.com). This recipe called for seven different ingredients, including peppers, that are growing in our garden! I love finding a recipe that uses a variety of veggies and herbs, which are all available right in our backyard.