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I've had a bit of luck with using a homemade 'mace' spray on my plants to keep them away. A high concentration of peppermint oil and capsaicin emulsified as a very light gel using xanthan gum. I end up having to apply it every other day to be effective, but I have seen it turn away squirrels with my own eyes.

The other thing I've done is set out a small water bowl and another bowl with some pumpkin seeds for them. Given the presence of my homemade mace, they usually choose to just forage in the 'safe' seeds and water and leave my plants alone.

But if they ever lose that distaste, the next option will be nuclear.

They pulled down and chewed on every one of the corn plants I grew a couple of years ago. They didn't eat them all, just seemed intent on maximum carnage.

Grey squirrels are invasive where I am, but hunting them is unfortunately legally dubious at best.

adopt a rescue dog? game on!