Keeping Two Legged Critters Out Of Your Veggie Garden

[EVP MAN]

In a previous post I mentioned setting up a table in the front yard offering excess veggies for free to the deprived folks in our town. As the economy continues to worsen ( and don't believe for a minute the upturn you read about) it may not be a wise idea to advertise the fact that you have a garden in your back yard! With so many people living out of their cars, in tent cities and unemployment compensation checks about to run out, I have reconsidered my idea about the free veggies. People have to eat and if they know you have a nice garden out back, where is the first place they will head in the middle of the night while your sleeping? You get the picture! I now think it may indeed be wise to keep your garden as low keyed as possible and maybe even hidden from sight as much as possible from prying eyes and people passing by on the street. Two legged critters could sure wipe out a garden quicker than rabbits, squirrels or slugs. Just a thought :)

Rich

[kate]

I have a neighbor who used to complain that people did that and he put up a fence. I plant flowers - zinnias, sunflowers, cosmos etc close to the road and he tells me every time he sees people stopping and "stealing" the flowers. I don't worry about it. The flowers are for everyone to enjoy and if some people feel they need to take what isn't "theirs", that's their karma, not mine.

[brooklyn1]

Normal brained folks would knock on your door and ask may I. Then you'd be happy to dash out with your scissors rather than have some goony rip at your plants.... and if they're the slightest bit normal they'd offer to pay a little something, and if you refused cash a normal person would come by later to leave a little token of appreciation by your door with a thank you note. Fresh cut flowers from a florist are expensive, you don't get many for your $$$.

[Bill who putters]

Caused me to look about. Site is UK still touches on topic.

Garden Law Discussion

Deals with plant life not vegs or flowers.

I've never had anyone take from our garden. My Dad (his garden) shot a horse at a distance with bird shot though. He never came back. My dad used to talk of compost thieves but I am the only one I know of that visits after folks move out usually OK'd before hand.

Seems like the issue touches on eating and I believe the way to go is some form of victory gardens. Local yadayada. The baled hale idea seemed cool but as pointed out esthetics may be damaged in some folks eyes. So it is a mind set issue and changing minds is well ............. you fill in the missive.

City folks so dependent on truck and clueless on basic traditional skills. Not mentioned in the school systems the value of folk ways let alone wood and metal shop. There are trade schools but I am ignorant of the curriculum. System hopefuls are locked in to narrow focus. I hope the knowledge base can be helpful and really seems not an issue to many but specialists demand a lot and other concerns must go to the correct specialist. Rambling but a heady issue. However currently local fast food wings cheap and gas well ...

Bill