Question
Hi Kennith;
Im having a real problem with the animals (Raccoons--I think) digging up plants that I have just planted. They do not eat or destroy the plants, they just dig them up and throw them aside. After I replant, they seldom dig the plant up again. The only thing I can emagine that is causing this is there is something in the fertalizer that they like. I use the granular type fertalizer (Nitrogen, Phos., Potash etc)
Do you have any knoewledge about this. If so, any suggestions as to how I can prevent them from doing this ?
I appreciate any help or suggestions you may have.

Bill Bollaert

Answer
Regular grannular fertilizer usually do not contain anything which attracts animals. Had you used organic fertilizer such as bone and blood meal, I would probably thing that this could be the reason. However, synthetic fertilizer does not contain anything of interest to the animals.

Many animals get attracted to newly dug soil and will dig into the soil to find food. The plants are just in the way. After you replant them, the racoons will usually not come back because they have already been there.

You can dig the planting bed a few days before planting. This should give them time to investigate before you actually plant. You can also use animal repellants, such as Deer-Off, Liqiuid Fence, etc.