In a perfect world, people would be able to plant some delicious fruits and veggies in a publicly-accessible place without worrying that someone else will nab the results.
Unfortunately, that’s not the world we live in. As strange as it may seem, people really do steal vegetables and plants from their neighbors and unprotected community gardens. Here’s how to deter plant thieves this summer, so you can enjoy all your hard work yourself!
You might not want to spend the money on a fence and gate, but it’s the number one fool-proof way to stop intruders from entering your property. A fence has many added bonuses, like giving you more privacy, keeping pets and kids safe, and increasing your home’s value in the long run. If you have a barbecue and patio furniture, a fence and gate around your entire yard can protect them, too!
Putting up a fence and gate is the most fool-proof way to prevent plant theft. The second-best option is to install security cameras over the garden. Make sure to put them in plain sight, but too high to be easily reached, so potential thieves know they’re being watched. Motion-sensor lights can also be an effective deterrent.
If you don’t have the budget for a fence and gate right now, you can still deter thieves by obscuring the entire garden from view, either by hiding it behind bushes, a shed, or the house itself. It won’t stop all potential thieves, but at least drive-by plant pirates won’t be able to see the goods from the side of the curb.
Instead of growing bright, popular crops like tomatoes and peppers, try growing more camouflaged plants like beans. Potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and beets all grow underground, and will be less tempting to passerby (and it’s hard for someone who didn’t plant them to know when they’re ripe.) You could also grow “trickster” plants, like tomatoes that are green when fully ripe—most thieves probably don’t realize they’re ready to eat.
If you live in the Charlotte area and need security cameras, gate access controls, or other home security solutions, be sure to call James Access Controls for a free installation estimate. We can help keep your house, garden, pool, and even commercial property safe from trespassers and intruders! To learn more about our Charlotte access controls, click here.