Grow Your Own Magazine

Hi, I'm quite new but used to enjoy Grow Your Own in the UK, and have not long moved to France. The feral cats have decided to use my only cultivated terrace as a toilet! I saw a plant called Coleus canina variegated, advertised in a Thompson and Morgan publication.Problem is, postage to France would be horrendous, even if it was available.Can any of you guys suggest anything else, bearing in mind that the plant needs to be TOUGH, ie drought like conditions for much of the year, and down to minus 10 in the winter?I'm relying on you all, as an alternative to chasing the cats. PS, I would like to just use plants, rather than sprays and potions unless organic.

You've got a tall order there JCWhite. I can't think of any plant which will survive those conditions AND keep cats out of your terrace. I think it might have to be plan B. There's been a lot of discussion of this, and a lot of suggestions about sticking in bits of jaggy stick to make it ucomfortable for them to squat. What size is your terrace. Is it possible to use chicken wire or something to keep them out. I hope you are enjoying your life in France and will soon be sans les chats.

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From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.

Thanks Alice
Found a previous thread about Curry plants, so will investigate that as well as I have seen them here. Its only a small area, but I like to keep it tidy, as we can see it from the kitchen.I could put chicken wire down,but like to have a go with a few peas, beans and toms. Ah, well, S'pose it adds to the flavour!

I grew Coleus Canina last year - it does stink, but it is tender (I lost all mine to the cold). It does repel moggies, but you need to keep it in a pot and move it around as the moggies discover new places to poo. I won't be bothering with it this year - I'll stick with my SuperSquirter

I'm not so sure about planting deterrant plants but i may give it a try. I've just ordered an electronic device from this site that seemed good value and i'm gonna see if it works. I've tried sprays and stuff to protect my plants but this cat repeller would be great if it works. We shall see!

the link is http://www.primrose-london.co.uk/cat_repeller.php if anyone is interested

The only plant related smell that seems to deter my cat is chilli - think its too strong and gets up her nose! Anything else she'll happily investigate so I wouldnt use plants as a deterrent personally, though of course Moggs may be strange! Chilli powder or strong peppery smells seem to work but would have to reapplied after rain I guess?

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Life may not be the party we hoped for but since we're here we might as well dance

Apparently vinegar soaked rags on sticks can work, not tried it myself. Id guess you have to renew the vinegar after its rained.
Holly sprigs strategically placed worked for me.

Coleus Canina does work, but it is not hardy. It smells terrible. If you can get hold of a plant or cutting you can plant it out during spring summer. It is also fairly easy to propogate from cuttings, and can be overwintered inside in pots.

Ultrasonic repellers bother my OH more than my cats - make sure it has a high enough frequency that keen-eared humans can't hear it.

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You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
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blog: http://allyheebiejeebie.blogspot.com/ and my (basic!) page: http://www.allythegardener.co.uk/

I use a variety of thing to keep the cats off my soil.. The easiest solution is close planting - if there's very little bare soil, they won't bother with it. They don't seem to like lavender stalks - it you trim back lavender, strew the stalks around on the soil. Only lasts til the smell wears off though. Apart from that, anything spiky - holly leaves, those plastic strips that are supposed to stop intruders climbing walls..? Or you could plant a catnip (Nepeta something-or-other?) plant away from your terrace to lure them away?
If all else fails, get a large dog
Hope you solve your problem

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Sarah

“Tell me one last thing,” said Harry. “Is this real? Or has this been happening inside my head?”
“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”