Squirrels attacking plum seeds

Its a fact we have alot of hungry squirrels. I put out a row of plum stones and some hours later I returned just in time to find a curious squirrel starting to dig up one of my pits. For various reasons I cant put down a screen which was my first thought, the only thing I can think of is to plant toes of garlic right on top of them, I dont think squirrels are a fan and may be distracted and repelled.   Will this work? Any other ideas? Many thanks.

Maybe paint the seeds with mint oil, or pepper or garlic or some other aromatic compound.
Next might be to barely sprout the seeds and then plant them in the soil so that it doesn't affect their tap root

I think that's brilliant, I have some Pennyroyal oil that should do the trick. Thanks!

Since a plum pit or stone is hulled revealing the nut (seed), I can see why squirrels would like them.  

Do you have a rosemary bush? Or lavender?

If the oil doesn't work try some cuttings of rosemary, lavender, or even scraps from garlic or onions.  Spread these over where you planted the seeds.

Marigold might even work, or any aromatic plant.

Yes I think I can manage Lavender oil, Pennyroyal oil and plant some garlic "toes" on top. Great stuff.

Micheal Littlejohn:  If squirrel pressure is really bad, perhaps they should be planted in pots, or somewhere there is protection (close to house, dog, etc.) until large enough to be transplanted?  A dusting of chilli pepper atop and around the planting area may also help.

This approach is for plums as well as apricots, peaches, nuts, pears, apples, jujubes, and nectarines. The ground squirrels and I have a deal: I gather up the dropped, thinned, and bird-pecked fruit then place this along the 100 foot berm by the street where they and the gopher snakes have their tunnels. I make my regular offerings to the squirrels and they don’t seem to bother my prize tree ripening fruit any more. The squirrel population remains in check due to the equally satisfied gopher snakes. I avoid gentrifying the wild berm except for the regular benefactions. The fruit disappears by the next day. This arrangement makes me feel like I’m not wasting food and keeps me from having to process the dregs into something during the hottest part of the summer. I also plant garlic under the trees which may contribute to the success of our arrangement.