Just as that pesky snake was a problem in the Garden of Eden, there are certain species that you don’t want to find under a melon leaf.

Garter snakes are fine. They’re great, actually. The worst they do is to slither away, making you jump simply because they moved. (Unless youre my brother who picked one up – I think squeezed too hard – and was bitten. Thats an entirely different story.)

Rattlesnakes

What I dont like are the rattlesnakes that frequent this area.

Last summer, two of our neighbors dogs were bitten by a rattlesnake in their back yard, which of course, adjoins our own. Thankfully, both dogs survived, but still have ill effects from the experience. There is a vaccination for dogs that involves two doses thirty days apart. If you have rattlesnakes in your area, this is a sound course of action because the antivenin treatments are costly.

Unfortunately, there isnt something like this for people, and with kids around the garden, keeping snakes away is a priority. Since snakes prefer to hang out in dense vegetation, its important to keep an eye open in the garden. Try to keep vegetation up and the ground visible. I have the zucchini growing on a lattice work A-frame to prevent it from spreading out, giving rattlesnakes a good place to hide. Most everything is planted in such a way that I can easily see before I reach down to weed.

My concern is The Entity also known as the rhubarb patch. If I was thinking ahead when I planted it 3 years ago I wouldve located it away from the house, but back then I was just happy to have something green and growing in our lunar landscape. I might remove it this fall to keep it farther away from where the kids hang out on the patio.

Fencing Out Snakes

If snakes are numerous and poisonous, the best option is to build a fence around the garden or childrens play area. This is no small endeavor. You need to use quarter-inch screen mesh or fencing that is buried at least six inches deep. It should be 30 inches tall and slanted towards the outside of the enclosure. You have to include a gate unless you have really long legs and step over such a thing without killing yourself- and its important to keep it closed. If a poisonous snake enters through an open door, it doesnt do much good.

A product Ive used for deer, which works rather well for the hoofed rodents (deer), is Liquid Fence. The company makes a product for snakes, as well. I cant attest to how well it works, though. Most of the academic or extension information Ive heard or read says there is no solid repellent for snakes, but they claim its effective. I plan to find out more to let readers know if this is something worthwhile if youre worried about snakes in the vegetable patch or petunias.

In the meantime, keep a close watch on the kids and pets, and keep that hoe handy!