Log In
6:43 pm
October 26, 2010
Offline8:23 am
October 22, 2010
Offline
Hi Aanandhi, we had a huge problem of bandicoots in our neighborhood. Happy to report that I don't have that problem anymore.
Some cats in the neighborhood definitely helped scare them away. I also started throwing my garlic and onion peels on to the soil. Eventually some unpeeled pods grew into garlic plants too. Not sure if this is a sure fire solution, but apparently they are deterred by the strong smell of garlic and onions.
1:01 pm
October 26, 2010
Offline9:41 am
Moderators
October 27, 2010
Offline
hi,
Ratkill is a good option. I managed to get rid of some of the Bandicoots but the new ones kept coming back. As of now there aren't any but I am sure once I have good tomatoes and Brinjals on the plants they would be back in a jiffy.
I have more or less given up the fight. I am now planning on going for soilfree gardening (growing in growbags about 18" above the ground).
Thanks,
Srikanth
Thanks,
Srikanth
11:54 pm
October 24, 2010
Offline
Hey
I have the same problem. My lovely sweet potato vine is under attack..think the bugger is after the potato underground. Worried sick, I've started shifting the pot indoors after sundown! Then he attacked my Geraniums...soon, looks like all my pots would need to move indoors and that certainely is not feasible 
Does any of you have a non-violent solution? I am going to try the garlic and onion solution mentioned above, but these buggers are pretty smart, they'll work a way around soon
Any other remedies please?
8:21 am
October 26, 2010
Offline
Hi ,
Here are some non-invasive ideas:
Rodents tend to dig around the garden edges. I am thinking of laying a mesh around the garden edge about 1.5 - 2 feet deep. Since I have a small area and planning for growing only vegetables in that space, I think this would be ideal if it works.
Another idea that I got from the net, is to plant some scented plant such as mint(invasive roots!) and marigold around the border.
There is one another flowering plant "Fritillaria imperialis"/Crown Imperial, a bulb variety is know to repel rodents, mice, rats, even sqirrels due to its funky smell of the flower. Looks very attractive though! Wonder if it will grow in Chennai?
Another technique that tribal peple still follow is to fire smoke in the holes and enclosing the hole with a pot which has a hole for air to keep the smoke going for an hour. This will kill the whole colony living in the hole.
Hope this helps.
Enjoy Gardening!
Aanandhi
9:17 am
October 24, 2010
Offline
Hi Aanandhi
Great suggestions.
My fellow seems to be a weird sort as the pot he was digging up was a Geranium plant (which does have a strong smell) 
My gardening is limited to the balcony, so am going to try your mesh option around it....but my fear is that this fellow might climb anyway (as we are on the ground floor). Your smoke idea seems very effective too...our tribes do know what they are doing
Thanks to all of you, am obsessed with the idea of growing some veggies, but this fellow (or fellows?) will make it possible? Let's see 🙂
12:22 pm
October 26, 2010
Offline
Hi Malathi,
In case of meshing the growing area, if you dig like 1 - 1 1/2 feet depth you can line the area with dry twigs/leaves and some cardboards/newspapers and cover it up with soil and compost. As this will encourage the earthworms to grow and give nutrients to your soil. Also aerates the soil giving you good drainage without tilling. Also, you can place worm tower every 10 feet and put all kitchen organic waste into it once the worms are in place.
Aanandhi
1 Guest(s)
