By David Wall
Quite often we read or hear about critters causing havoc in the vegetable garden. Depending on the vegetable type any number of products are discussed based on their potential to reduce the problem. Well, as it turns out there is one product that tends to repel a veritable plethora of critters, and the best part is it’s free. And what, you say, is this magnificent product that critters detest?
Well, it’s human and animal hair! Hair repels critters and breaks down, releasing traces of up to 14 different elements into the soil. While this sounds great, hair can take up to two years to break down, and it’s not a complete fertilizer. Nevertheless, it is a convenient, free long-term trace element fertilizer. If, however, one has a compost pile, hair makes a great addition.
Hair lets water enter the soil while simultaneously blocking evaporation, thus keeping in moisture. Additionally, hair is effective at controlling weeds. If mixed in with the topsoil, hair improves soil structure. Then as it decays, tiny air pockets (paths) will be retained.
While the odds of chemical damage are slim, it’s best to use dyed hair in flower gardens. Again, while slim, there’s always a possibility that dye chemicals could infect soil and be passed on to food.
Hair that is treated with dyes, permanents or other chemicals is best used on ornamentals such as flowers and shrubs rather than on food crops, as there is a chance the chemicals could infect the soil and pass on to the food. Hair sources include, barber shops, hair salons, and pet grooming stores.
Besides your own hair clippings, you can often obtain free bags of hair from the above stores. If you constantly vacuum up pet hair, just empty your vacuum cleaner bag right into the compost heap.
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