How To Protect Your Vegetable Garden From Groundhogs

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Groundhogs, otherwise known as woodchucks, are a common garden pest. They feast on a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, and can cause extensive damage to a garden in a short amount of time. Learning how to protect your garden from these pesky critters is essential for keeping your garden healthy and thriving. Here are a few tips on how to protect your vegetable garden from groundhogs.

Fencing

The best way to keep groundhogs out of your garden is to put up a fence. A fence should be at least four feet high and should be buried at least six inches into the ground. The fence should also have a mesh size of no more than two inches wide so that small animals can’t get through. You can also add an electric fence on top of the regular fence for added protection.

Trapping

If you already have groundhogs in your garden, trapping is an effective way to get rid of them. You can purchase live traps from your local hardware store or online. Place the traps near the burrows of the groundhogs and make sure to check them regularly. Once you have caught the groundhog, release it in a remote area away from your garden.

Repellents

There are a variety of repellents available that can help keep groundhogs away from your garden. These repellents usually contain a combination of ingredients such as garlic, pepper, and other natural ingredients that will deter groundhogs from entering your garden. Repellents can be purchased at your local garden center or online.

Remove Tempting Food Sources

Groundhogs are attracted to gardens because of the tasty treats they can find. To keep them away, make sure to clean up any fallen fruit or vegetables, as well as remove any weeds or plants that may be providing them with food. You can also try planting groundhog-resistant plants such as marigolds, daffodils, and four o'clocks.

Discourage With Noise

Groundhogs are very sensitive to noise and will usually flee when they hear loud, sudden noises. To discourage them, you can install a motion-activated sprinkler that will spray the groundhogs with water when they enter the garden. You can also try using a radio or a wind chime near your garden to deter them.

Cover Your Garden

Groundhogs love to burrow and will often try to make their homes in gardens. To prevent this, cover your garden with a layer of netting or hardware cloth. This will prevent them from digging up your vegetables and flowers, and will also make them less likely to hang around.

Grow Your Own Predator

One of the most effective ways to keep groundhogs away from your garden is to introduce a natural predator. Dogs, cats, owls, and hawks will all help keep groundhogs away from your garden, as they are all natural predators. You can also try planting flowers that attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and praying mantises, which will help keep groundhogs away.

Conclusion

Groundhogs can be a nuisance in any garden. By following these tips, you can protect your vegetable garden from groundhogs and keep your garden healthy and thriving. With a little patience and effort, you can keep groundhogs away and enjoy a beautiful garden in no time.