13 Ways to Deter Groundhogs From Your Garden Without Harsh Chemicals
This post may contain affiliate links.
Groundhogs can be a real nuisance for gardeners. These furry creatures love to munch on plants, veggies, and flowers. When they invade your garden, they can quickly cause destruction and frustrate you. You want to enjoy your garden, not worry about losing your hard work to hungry critters.
This guide provides practical tips for deterring groundhogs while being kind to the environment. These simple strategies can protect your garden, whether using natural repellents or creating physical barriers.
Plant Deterrents
Certain plants act as natural repellents for groundhogs. These include daffodils, marigolds, and garlic. They have strong smells that groundhogs dislike and can keep them away from your garden. You can plant these around the perimeter of your garden or intermix them with other plants.
Use Spices
Groundhogs also dislike strong spices like cayenne pepper, black pepper, or chili powder. Sprinkling these around your garden can create a barrier they won’t want to cross. Remember to reapply after rain or watering for best results.
Install Fencing
Fencing is one of the most effective ways to keep groundhogs out of your garden. Install a fence at least three feet high and extend it one foot underground to prevent it from burrowing underneath. Use chicken wire or hardware cloth to create a sturdy barrier.
Seal Entry Points
Regularly inspect your garden for any holes or gaps groundhogs can use to enter. These could be under fences, in sheds or decks, and around utility pipes. Use wire mesh or steel wool to seal these openings, making it difficult for groundhogs to access your garden.
Get a Dog
Dogs are natural predators of groundhogs, and their presence can deter them from entering your garden. You don’t necessarily need a large breed; even small dogs can help keep groundhogs away with their barking and scent.
Scare Tactics
Noise-making devices like wind chimes, radios, or motion-activated sprinklers can deter groundhogs from entering your garden. They dislike loud sounds and unexpected movements, so these tactics can keep them away.
Sprinkle Blood Meal
A blood meal is a natural fertilizer made of dried animal blood. Groundhogs dislike the smell and will avoid areas where it’s sprinkled. You can find it in most gardening stores and use it around your garden perimeter.
Use Ammonia-soaked Rags
Ammonia has a strong scent that groundhogs dislike. Soaking rags in ammonia and placing them around your garden or near entry points can prevent them from entering. Reapply regularly to maintain its effectiveness.
Use Predator Urine
Predator urine is another natural deterrent for groundhogs. You can purchase it at a hunting supply store or use dog or cat urine if you have pets. Spread it around your garden’s perimeter to keep groundhogs away.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is another natural repellent for groundhogs. Groundhogs dislike its taste and smell, so sprinkling it around your garden can keep them away. You can also mix it with water and spray it on plants to make them less appealing to these critters.
Create Physical Barriers
Creating physical barriers can also prevent groundhogs from entering your garden. These could include wire mesh cages over plants or fencing around individual beds. This strategy is beneficial for protecting young or vulnerable plants.
Keep Your Garden Clean
Groundhogs are attracted to gardens with lots of vegetation, so keeping them clean and tidy can help deter them. Remove any fallen fruit or vegetables and keep weeds under control to make your garden less appealing to groundhogs.
Try Natural Repellents
You can use natural ingredients, such as castor oil spray, to repel groundhogs. These products use natural ingredients and scents that groundhogs dislike, making them effective deterrents for your garden.
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
This article will show you how to clean your smoker grill combo like a pro, using the right tools and techniques for different parts of your grill. You will also learn some tips on how to avoid common cleaning mistakes and maintain your grill’s performance and longevity.
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make
A home should be a sanctuary, reflecting personal style and comfort. However, minor oversights and everyday habits can inadvertently detract from its appeal. Understanding these common mistakes is crucial for maintaining an inviting and well-kept home. Here, we’ll uncover 15 mistakes that might subtly diminish the aesthetic charm of your living space.
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make Your Home Look Bad
Bring Nature Indoors with These DIY Terrarium Ideas
The list includes a variety of different styles of terrariums. Some use simple supplies you may have around the house or can get locally, and some get a little more creative.
Bring Nature Indoors with These DIY Terrarium Ideas
How to Make Wood Block Wall Art
In this post, I’ll show you how to make wood block wall art for only a few dollars. This tutorial will demonstrate an abstract scribble art design and give you six more easy-to-make ideas!