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"....Lots of Alaskans swear by Plantskydd."
JEFF LOWENFELS GARDENING
(Published: August 28, 2003 - Anchorage Daily News)
I live in an area frequented by moose. The idea of putting
in a normal vegetable garden or a serious fruit tree collection in our
yard would entail elaborate fencing well beyond my desires.
This summer, however, there have been darn few moose browsing
in our yard. Those I do see walk right on through without the slightest
prodding from me, not the usual aloof, human-be-damned ungulate amble to
which I had grown accustomed. The cotoneaster they usually chow down on
has grown higher than ever, the currants are in fine shape, and the moose
clearly avoid the new lily bed despite the continuous presence of flowers
and perfume in the air.
I'm pretty sure this absence of moose has to do with an
item I've been testing: the Wireless Deer Fence. Two years ago, I gave
samples to several friends for testing, but it wasn't until I noted a few
missing tops of newly planted lilies that I decided to try a few myself....These
gadgets worked last winter when we didn't have much snow cover. If you
are game, you might want to try them this year. They need to be put out
before the ground freezes, so get to it....
There's another Alaska-tested and raved-about moose product,
this one is a true repellent developed in Sweden to control deer and moose.
It's promoted in the United States only as a deer repellent, but lots of
Alaskans swear by Plantskydd, claiming it has kept moose from damaging
their yards.
After it is mixed, Plantskydd is an emulsion that becomes
rainproof 24 hours after it dries. Now available locally from several nurseries
in a pre-mixed liquid spray as well as a mix-it-yourself powder, Plantskydd
is sprayed onto plants including trees, shrubs and perennial beds. It's
supposed to last six months and it won't harm plants, moose or the environment.
In fact, Plantskydd is actually a pretty good organic fertilizer (it is,
after all, basically blood meal)....
Finally, don't forget using tree wrap around the trunks
of vulnerable young trees, wire, netting or burlap ...., all available
from local nurseries. A combination of deterrents is always useful. Just
don't mix deterrents with attractants.
It's not fun to spray Plantskydd or anything else once
things get really cold. Similarly, wrapping a tree is more pleasant when
the temperature is above freezing. If you have moose problems in the winter,
or right now for that matter, take advantage of local availability and
spray your trees and beds this weekend. It isn't going to get warmer.
Jeff Lowenfels gardens in Anchorage and is a fellow of
the Garden Writers Association of America. He can be reached at jeff@gardener.com.
The complete article can be found at: http://www.adn.com/life/v-printer/story/3783076p-3809322c.html
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