How To Keep Woodchucks Out Of Your Garden

Kickstarting your garden season off right means protecting your foliage from pests like woodchucks. These small critters can wreak havoc on your garden, so proper prevention is the key to keeping these garden bandits away. Here's a quick guide to help you keep woodchucks out of your garden this year.

Fencing is the Easiest Way to Keep Woodchucks Out

Fences are the most effective way to keep woodchucks out of your garden. A fence should be at least 3 feet high, and extended 6-12 inches into the ground to prevent woodchucks from burrowing underneath it. Make sure to close any open sides of your fence to ensure woodchucks can't get in. You can also use electric fencing to keep them away.

Choose Deer Resistant Plants

Woodchucks love sweet vegetables like corn, beans, peas, and squash, but they also happen to like some flower varieties. Fortunately, there are many deer-resistant varieties available for your garden. Consider ornamental grasses, oregano, lavender, foxglove, yarrow, and marigolds.

Grow Some Woodchuck Repellents

Some plants release a strong odor that woodchucks don't like. Consider planting some chives, mint, onion, or garlic around the perimeter of your garden. This will create a barrier that woodchucks won't want to cross. You can also try planting some daffodils or gladioli, two flowers that woodchucks don't like.

Set Out Traps and Repellents

There are also chemical and mechanical repellents available on the market. These won't always work, but they may be a good option if your garden is particularly susceptible to woodchuck invasions. Trapping can also help keep woodchucks away from your garden. A cage trap with bait such as corn or apple slices will usually do the trick. Be sure to release the critter far away from your garden after trapping it.

Brief Recap

Woodchucks can wreak havoc on your garden, so it's important to take steps to keep them out. The best way to do that is to set up a sturdy fence around your garden, and grow deer-resistant plants. Additionally, planting woodchuck repellents like chives, mint, and onion can help deter them from your garden. Chemical and mechanical repellents and traps can also help.

Looking Ahead

Now that you know how to keep woodchucks out of your garden, you can focus on growing and enjoying your foliage all season long. Keep in mind that these critters are persistent, so you'll need to commit to your prevention methods for the best possible results.