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once I finally get my garden secure I want to start growing my one herbs and veg but the last time i dug in my garden (I do admit it was quite some time ago!) I found that all the cats in my neighbourhood found a new litter box in any dug areas even if i covered it in netting does anyone have any ideas on what i can do to stop them?

If you are growing herbs then gravel around them is really good. Not only does it deter the cats but also the slugs. And it stops the mud from splashing up on the leaves when it rains.

Another trick is to get some twiggy branches (ask a neighbour for their prunings if you haven't got any). The thornier the better. Just lay them on the ground over the seeds. Not only do they deter the cats and the birds, they will also support the plants as they grow up.

Cheers
Zoe

thank you zoe i will try that sharon

I know the perfect answer to garden cats - get a standard poodle. The cats won't come within a hundred yards. Problem is, the poodle craps on the garden ...

Anyone know a way round that (apart from buying a cow)?

MKG wrote: Anyone know a way round that (apart from buying a cow)?

Believe me - a cow's crap is a lot bigger!

My grandfather used to shoot cats in the bum with a .22 rifle loaded with rat-shot. At the ranges he was shooting at, it did no permanent injury but stung like crazy. It was very effective but is probably illegal these days!

More usefully, when we lived in London and had a cat problem with our vegetable patch we used a commercial deterrent that was a mix of pepper, chilli and something else. It had to be reapplied after rain, but it worked reasonably well as cats would come in, sniff, and start sneezing and gasping before beating a quick retreat. I can't remember the name of it though.

I remember that - it was called Cat Pepper, I think.