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Old 03-09-2003, 03:22 PM
Pam
 
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Default such a thing a mole proof plants?



Mogie wrote:

We have a lot of trouble with moles/voles. They eat the roots of tender
young plants just put in the ground. Have a huge pasture behind us and am
sure that's where they are coming from. Is there any certain type of plant
that they won't mess with? We have mole plants please don't suggest those
they resemble weeds.


Your problem is due to voles, not moles. Moles are carnivores and feed
primarily on soil grubs and earthworms. They do not eat plants. Voles can and
will eat bulbs, tender roots, new shoots and even tree bark. The consensus is
most repellants have little effect and barriers or trapping is recommended.
There is no plant I am aware of that will discourage them specifically - only
those they may not prefer to eat. Crushed oyster shells or coarse gravel
incorporated into the planting hole of new shrubs and perennials is supposed
to deter them and there are special wire mesh baskets available for bulb
planting or you can make your own. Avoid piling mulch heavily around the base
of plants - voles move primarily at ground level or slightly below and they
like to tunnel through the softer mulch to avoid predators.

pam - gardengal