Where I live the spring bulb season is over and daylilies and gladiolus are in bloom. So I am thinking of fall and something I am going to need to do that I have never had to do in my 40+ years of gardening. If I am going to have crocuses and hyacinths next year, I think I am going to need to be proactive and do something to make sure voles can't eat them up. I read an article somewhere that said you could use crushed oyster shells in the hole you dig before dropping the bulb in. Have any of you done this before or do you have some other method that you use that works? I have never had voles before but they decided to attack this year so I don't want to chance it for next year.

Plant a lot of daffodils in there.

Most critters do not like daffodils.
I also shake cayenne powder over the bare bulbs before I cover them with soil,
and then mulch with bark.

@Marilyn had success using oyster shells to protect bulbs: http://garden.org/thread/view_...

Thanks @William. That doesn't sound hard at all. I found oyster shells at Traffic Supply so all I need to do now is write it on the calendar so I won't forget.

sallysmom said:Thanks @William. That doesn't sound hard at all. I found oyster shells at Traffic Supply so all I need to do now is write it on the calendar so I won't forget.

@sallysmom

Did you mean Tractor Supply? We've one here and I'd like to get them locally if they carry them.

Where in the store did you find them? How much? What size bag?

@Marilyn - I found what is called oyster shell calcium supplement at Tractor Supply (ha, ha not Traffic Supply) which is actually meant for chickens. I got a 5 lb. bag for something less than $5.

@sallysmom

I bet it is the same type of thing. I'll have to ask (and/or look) for it at Tractor Supply.

@sallysmom, I plant hyacinth every year. I also have moles and voles. The bulbs contain a toxin? You should not touch with bare skin and if you do then thoroughly wash your hands. That being said I have touched them several different times not knowing any better. No rash or irritation developed. Animals treat hyacinths like daffodils. Ever so often a squirrel will dig one up or a mole will push it upwards. They do not consider them food. Crocus has not really worked for me too warm.
Hope this helps have a joyful day!