Problem with foxes

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by KarolinaW, May 21, 2024.

  1. KarolinaW

    KarolinaW Gardener

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    One of my raised beds was completely digged over by foxes last night. Most of the lettuces were all over the place, but still had their root ball, so I planted them back.
    Some beetroots are gone, some were buried under the soil, hopefully they're still ok. Will see. Obviously, I'm really annoyed, as this is only my second year of growing veggies and the first one with something else than beans or tomatoes.
    I'm wondering if I'll spread a net over the beds every night, would that stop them?
     
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    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      They are very destructive especially the cubs, they sometimes roll about on my veg patch and have flattened my onions. Cubs are nice to see but they like to play, they move plant labels and knock over pots..

      All I can suggest is to seal up any gaps in your boundary and don't leave out anything to encourage them, bird food etc.

      It will be difficult as I've seen adult foxes easily spring over our 6ft fence.
       
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      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        That would help
         
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        • pete

          pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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          Not great to look at but I put sticks in all over, they tend to stay off then and it doesn't become a playground.
          You will still get some holes being dug but it keeps the cubs off.
           
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          • Butterfly6

            Butterfly6 Gardener

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            My box knot has “little doorways” where the fox cubs squeeze through playing hide and seek. I also have to occasionally straighten up a squashed one where they’ve misjudged their jump - they like to jump in and out when bored of hide and seek :hapfeet:

            I never realised that a box know would be so appealing. We haven’t had any cubs this year so it’s had a reprieve
             
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            • infradig

              infradig Total Gardener

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              Foxes aren't vegetarian so its not your plantings they are after. Have you used Fbb or bonemeal in the beds?
              . Unfortunately many urban areas have scavenging foxes; they have become too friendly for their own good.
              Rural foxes have to have their wits about them at all times.

              It may help to place human scent (not perfume!) at boundary points. Collect and pour discretely from a watering can. There are proprietory fox repellents but cannot vouch for their efficacy
               
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              • Butterfly6

                Butterfly6 Gardener

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                We maybe used some when first planted, I can’t remember, but none since. I wondered if they like the scent of the box as they brush against the foliage or maybe they just like the hiding spaces for their games bit like children do

                It doesn’t really bother me, I enjoy watching them. We don’t feed them or encourage them although I have heard that some neighbours do. They used to be much more brazen, the adults would and sit and sunbathe unbothered whilst I was in the garden but they have become quite shy in recent years.
                 
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                • pete

                  pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                  I think they dig looking for worms and insects, they love meal worms I put out for the birds but I've known them walk away from canned dog food.
                   
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                  • KarolinaW

                    KarolinaW Gardener

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                    I'll get the net then and possibly put some stick in too. I had some small holes last year, but it was never that bad.
                    I see lots around, cubs too so I reckon that was their game or perhaps looking for some worms (it definitely has them in).
                    They're very sweet and I don't mind them! Just please leave my beds alone guys:) I have some neighbours feeding them too, which doesn't help. They also cause chaos on the bin day - lots of food all over the streets every Friday morning.
                     
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                    • pete

                      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                      Dont you have fox proof bins?

                      We used to get that when we had bags years ago but the foxes cant raid bins anymore.
                       
                    • KarolinaW

                      KarolinaW Gardener

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                      We have caddies, but they are still able to get into some of them. Maybe people don't close them the right way.
                       
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                      • lolimac

                        lolimac Total Gardener

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                        Foxes love sausage rolls:biggrin:
                         
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                        • pete

                          pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                          Raw sausages or hot dog sausages or tuna.:biggrin:
                           
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                          • Escarpment

                            Escarpment Super Gardener

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                            My regular fox loves calci-worms and apples. I originally put them out for the blackbirds but they're not getting much of a look-in lately.

                            I've watched her on my patio which is full of pots, and she picks her way delicately around them like a cat and doesn't knock anything over.

                            I do find some minor digging - just sticking her nose into the soil really - in some places where I've planted seeds.
                             
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                            • Baalmaiden

                              Baalmaiden Gardener

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                              Box flowers always smelled like cat's pee to me!
                               
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