Pests will never dig up your garden bulbs if you sprinkle 1 kitchen ingredient

If you're a keen gardener, you'll know that it takes a lot of time and effort to get your outdoor space looking its best. This is why it's a real pain when you look outside to see that some unwelcome visitors have been digging up your garden.

Cats, squirrels, rabbits and deer are all notorious for trying to get to your bulbs planted underground, and ruining your garden in the process. So if you're preparing to plant your spring-flowering bulbs for next year, there's one tip from a pro gardener you'll want to know. TikTok gardening expert Michael Griffiths says you can sprinkle one cupboard staple which helps to deter pests safely.

If you want to drive pests away from your garden bulbs in a natural, non-toxic way then, according to Michael, all you need is some chilli powder. Found in many people's cupboards or spice racks, this staple ingredient can be sprinkled in your garden when planting bulbs to help keep unwanted animals from sniffing around.

In a recent TikTok video, Michael explained exactly what gardeners need to do in order to carry out this tip safely and effectively. He said: "If pests are always digging up your bulbs, here's how to stop them using one simple ingredient."

He continued: "When planting bulbs, I like to add a pinch of heat to deter any pests."

Showing off a clip of himself prepping bulbs for being planted in a pot, Michael explained that capsicum or hot chilli powder can be used to protect your garden from being dug up.

You'll want to sprinkle it directly on to the bulbs, then put some more in the planting hole.

Michael stressed: "It won't hurt the bulbs or mess with your spring displays. Finally, backfill the hole and add a dusting [of chilli] on top, any pest will take one whiff and decide it's not worth the bother."

He highlighted that this tip 'works great' against rabbits, squirrels and deer. According to the experts at Homes and Gardens, smaller pests like slugs and snails are also not a fan of chilli.

If it's established plants you want to protect, you can make a spray solution by mixing one tablespoon of dish soap and two tablespoons of cayenne pepper in a bottle filled up with water.

The experts said: "Using this solution, spray the lower leaves of plants that are attractive to slugs and snails. The dish soap will help the spicy solution to stick to the foliage. Spraying only the lower leaves and stems will help to prevent slugs and snails from reaching new, young leaves as they unfurl."