12 of 63

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

them from chicken killers such as raccoons and opossum. This also meant they had access to my garden and they did take advantage of my generous plantings. Yes, I planted and the chickens dug, I planted and they dug again. What they seemed to like most were the birdhouse gourd plants which ended up being planted 3 times before I convinced the chickens to leave them alone.

I tried a scarecrow, I made a second scarecrow dressed in my cloths and sprayed with my perfume. I really thought that would work as the darling creatures didn't go near the garden when I was there. They waiting, I know they were watching from the chicken coop to see when I went in the house. Next I tried more caution tape placed lower down, at the chicken's eye level. That didn't work either. When that failed I went for the hose I would hide waiting for me to venture out of their area and spray them with the garden hose.

After figuring out that the chickens were posting guards in the trees and warning the garden raiders when I went near the hose I resorted to my last idea. I planted seeds and over each seed placed a plastic gallon juice bottle with the bottoms cut out. My mini-greenhouses not only kept the chickens off my plants but also seemed to help the seeds sprout faster and the plants grow faster. The garden did look funny for a time though spotted with those plastic jugs and bare ground.

Also, every time I go to throw some bad tomatoes or cantaloupe with soft spots, or corn that's past it's prime over to the chickens I think to myself, "after all the hassle you gave me in the spring you really don't deserve this one bit' they do however continue to give me a nice supply of fresh eggs to eat, give away, and even sell so I forgive them and give them a treat. And, I am laughing at what is now to me my funniest garden experience.

Learn more about this author, Faith Draper.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about True gardening stories: My funniest garden experience?
We want to hear your view. Write now!