Seed Sense: Question of the Day- Klepto Chipmunks

This time of year we're getting more questions than we have time to answer. I'm in the office in front of the computer less and less and outside (when it's not pouring rain) more and more. A great place to post a question is on our Facebook page where other gardeners can weigh in and give advice. We all have lots to learn from each other! If you have any suggestions for this question, feel free to leave a comment to the blog post.

Here's the latest Q from Patti in Rochester, NY:

Hank's Bean photo by Miachael Asbill

My garden is beset by squirrels and chipmunks who, for every two packages of beans I plant, dig up and devour at least 1.5 packages. Either that or redistribute them in odd places around the yard. When they were done having  their way with the recently sowed seeds, I realized I have eight seedlings and most of those are pole beans. This is turning into one of those I-don't-know-why-I-try years.

Dear Patti,

Darn chipmunks!

You could try starting the beans in seed starting trays and transplanting if need be. Just be very gentle when transplanting the beans. They don't love it. Another trick is to direct sow the beans and then lay down some type of light/water permeable cover. Row cover works or you could try screen or hardware cloth to create a barrier just until they germinate. Keep an eye out and remove the cover so the seedlings don't get squashed.

Don't give up! Every year is an experiment and learning experience in the garden. Gardening is just as much about learning to let go as it is about learning to grow.

Stay seedy,
Ken