Sarah Raven: Squirrel-proofing your bulbs with ornamental pot toppers and edibles - Episode 242 Artwork

grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friends

Welcome to grow, cook, eat, arrange, the weekly podcast from gardener, writer, teacher,and cook, Sarah Raven. Over the last two decades, Sarah has led the way by introducing a new kind of productive gardening which places emphasis on intense colour, sophistication, and achievability. Recorded at the beautiful Perch Hill Farm in Sussex, Sarah talks with special guests from across garden design, floristry, food, ecology, conservation, and more. Brimming with top tips and helpful hints, listen and learn how to create your most productive garden ever. You can find out more about the products discussed in each episode or get in touch by visiting the website: https://www.sarahraven.com/

All Episodes

grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friends

Sarah Raven: Squirrel-proofing your bulbs with ornamental pot toppers and edibles - Episode 242

October 02, 2025 • Sarah Raven • Episode 242

Pesky rodents can be a nightmare for pot gardeners trying to grow bulbs over the winter, but there’s plenty you can do to protect them, and put on a show while doing so!

In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, you’ll discover Sarah’s tried-and-true methods for keeping squirrels away, the best looking varieties for form and function alike, and creative ways to make your pots work double duty with beautiful and edible pot toppers.

In this episode, discover:

Clever, tried-and-tested ways to keep grey squirrels and other rodents from digging up your bulbs
How to use pot toppers like violas, pansies, and hardy herbs to protect your containers, and add beauty to them too
Tips for making the most of your pots by growing edible plants alongside your bulbs

Products mentioned:

Eryngium alpinum

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/eryngium-alpinum

Viola x wittrockiana 'Peach Shades' F1

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-x-wittrockiana-peach-shades-f1

Viola x wittrockiana 'Frizzle Sizzle Burgundy' F1

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-x-wittrockiana-frizzle-sizzle-burgundy-f1

Viola x wittrockiana 'Frizzle Sizzle Yellow Blue Swirl' F1

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-x-wittrockiana-frizzle-sizzle-yellow-blue-swirl-f1

Ammi visnaga

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-visnaga

Kale 'Dwarf Green Curled'