You must first confirm their presence to effectively stop groundhogs from eating your garden. Groundhogs are known for their extensive burrows and voracious appetite for vegetables, flowers, and other plants. Signs of their activity include chewed leaves, damaged crops, and visible burrow entrances near your garden. Once you identify these telltale signs, it’s crucial to act quickly to prevent further destruction. Recognizing groundhog activity early gives you a head start in protecting your garden.

After confirming groundhog activity, the next step is to install a physical barrier around your garden. A sturdy fence can keep groundhogs from accessing your plants. However, these animals are excellent diggers, so you should bury the wall at least 12 inches below the ground to prevent tunneling. Additionally, ensure the fence is at least three feet high, and angle the top outward to stop them from climbing over. Proper fencing is an effective defense that deters groundhogs from quickly entering your garden.

Besides fencing, you can also use natural deterrents to keep groundhogs away from your garden. Certain scents and tastes can make your garden less appealing to them. Sprinkle substances like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or Epsom salt around the garden perimeter—these strong smells discourage groundhogs from coming close. You can also plant repellent plants like marigolds, lavender, and mint, which emit scents that groundhogs find unpleasant. Another option is to place predator urine, such as fox or coyote urine, around your garden, as the smell of predators will scare them away. Combining these deterrents with a secure fence strengthens your garden’s defenses.

You can effectively stop groundhogs from eating your garden by identifying groundhog presence, installing a protective fence, and using natural deterrents. Implementing these strategies ensures your plants remain safe and your garden thrives without interference from these destructive pests.