veg patch advice re; possible rats

[FusilliJerry]

I want to put a veg patch in my garden - I had one at the previous house, but I know that there are a few rats around the area. My cat has killed a couple, and I've seen a couple of rat holes in the garden. We're not overrun, but I know they're around.
Would you advise against it, I don't want to be battling to stop them eating stuff. We do have some strawberries, which survive, is that a good sign?

[dreamingofsun]

as i understand it they are everywhere. no-one is a couple of feet from one or something along those lines. allotment sites sometimes have trouble with them. can you get the council round the treat them - espec if you have holes in your garden. they sorted mine under the compost heap

[Rhubarbgarden]

I saw one in my compost heap the other day. Doesn't bother me though - I'm happy to live and let live.

[Mirage]

We have them in our compost bin,I occasionally put rat poison in there which does the trick,but they will always be there,we are surrounded by farms.I've never had them eat my fruit and veg in the garden,although they did eat all my stored apples a few years back.

Don't let it put you off growing stuff-slugs cause me far more trouble than rats.

[dreamingofsun]

its them peeing over things that would worry me, more than them eating things. they have a lot of diseases, and the thought of eating something that they had peed over....!!

[Rhubarbgarden]

Bird poo has nasties in it too though. You just always wash your produce before you eat it.