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Keeping Out Groundhogs From Gardens

Jennifer Smith

Posted on February 25 2019

Groundhogs are short, stalky, and somewhat cute; but don't let them fool you. They remain one of the most destructive garden critters to help destroy gardens throughout the year. 

Groundhogs rely on tunneling to stay away from predators and to reach plants in gardens. Because of this, gardeners find it tricky to keep them away from their flowers and vegetable gardens. 

There are two strategies to rid groundhogs from gardens. The #1 method for groundhog resistance is to install a metal rodent fence with small mesh dimensions to keep them out of gardens. But, it's more than just fence installation that will keep them away. Gardeners will need to trench the fence into the ground 6-12 inches to prevent burrowing attempts. This method also keeps out bunnies and grown rabbits. 

The second step for groundhog resistance is to plant flowers and herbs that groundhogs hate as a secondary layer of protection. Grow these plants outside of the garden fence to keep out groundhogs:

  • Chives
  • Fennel
  • Garlic
  • Lavender
  • Coneflower
  • Snapdragon
  • Peony
  • Baby's Breath
  • Hay-scented fern

The good news about these plants are that they are also rabbit and deer resistant. Try these methods for groundhog control and see a reduction of critters in the garden.