## How to Protect Your Vegetable Garden from Groundhogs
Groundhogs can be a real nuisance for gardeners, as they love to feast on fresh vegetables. If you’re tired of these furry pests ruining your crops, there are a few things you can do to protect your garden.
### Exclusion
One of the most effective ways to keep groundhogs out of your garden is to exclude them. This can be done by erecting a fence around the perimeter of your garden. The fence should be at least 3 feet tall and buried at least 6 inches underground. You can also use chicken wire to line the bottom of the fence to prevent groundhogs from digging under it.
### Habitat Modification
Groundhogs prefer to live in areas with dense vegetation, so you can make your garden less appealing to them by removing potential hiding places. This includes clearing away brush piles, tall weeds, and other debris. You can also plant a variety of plants that groundhogs don’t like, such as marigolds, daffodils, and irises.
### Deterrents
There are a number of different deterrents that you can use to keep groundhogs away from your garden. These include:
Motion-activated sprinklers: These sprinklers emit a burst of water when they detect movement, which can startle groundhogs and keep them away.
Ultrasonic devices: These devices emit a high-pitched sound that is inaudible to humans but can be very irritating to groundhogs.
Predator urine: Groundhogs are prey animals, so they are naturally afraid of predators. You can purchase predator urine at most garden centers and spray it around the perimeter of your garden to deter groundhogs.
### Trapping
If all else fails, you can try trapping groundhogs. There are a variety of different traps available, so be sure to choose one that is appropriate for the size of the groundhogs in your area. Once you have caught a groundhog, you can release it at least 10 miles away from your home.
## Additional Tips for Keeping Groundhogs Out of Your Garden
Keep your garden clean: Groundhogs are attracted to food scraps and other debris, so it’s important to keep your garden clean and free of clutter.
Cover your compost bin: Compost bins are a favorite spot for groundhogs to dig for food. Be sure to cover your compost bin with a lid to keep them out.
Repair any holes in your fence: Groundhogs are good climbers, so they can easily get into your garden through any holes in your fence. Be sure to repair any holes as soon as you find them.
Get a dog: Dogs are a natural deterrent for groundhogs. If you have a dog, be sure to let it out in the garden regularly to keep groundhogs away.
By following these tips, you can help to protect your vegetable garden from groundhogs and enjoy a bountiful harvest.
### Resources
[How to Get Rid of Groundhogs](https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Groundhogs)
[Groundhog Control: How to Keep Groundhogs Out of Your Garden](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/wildlife/mammals/groundhogs/controlling-groundhogs-in-garden.htm)
[Groundhog Control](https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/groundhog-control)