Animals That Will Eat My Vegetable Garden
Vegetable gardens are a great way to get fresh, healthy produce, but they can also be a target for hungry animals. If you’re not careful, pests can quickly destroy your entire crop.
There are a wide variety of animals that can damage vegetable gardens, including:
Deer
Rabbits
Groundhogs
Squirrels
Birds
Insects
Deer
Deer are one of the most common pests of vegetable gardens. They are attracted to the tender leaves of young plants, and they can quickly devour an entire row of vegetables in a single night. Deer are also known to rub their antlers on trees and shrubs, which can damage or kill the plants.
Rabbits
Rabbits are another common pest of vegetable gardens. They are smaller than deer, but they can still cause significant damage. Rabbits love to eat the leaves and stems of young plants, and they can also dig up roots.
Groundhogs
Groundhogs are large rodents that can cause serious damage to vegetable gardens. They are known to dig up plants, eat the leaves and stems, and even kill entire plants. Groundhogs can also burrow under fences and walls, which can allow other pests to enter your garden.
Squirrels
Squirrels are small rodents that can be a nuisance in vegetable gardens. They love to eat nuts, seeds, and fruits, and they can also damage plants by chewing on the leaves and stems. Squirrels can also be a problem if they build nests in your garden, as they can attract other pests.
Birds
Birds can be a problem in vegetable gardens if they eat the seeds, fruits, or leaves of your plants. Some birds, such as crows and blackbirds, can also dig up newly planted seeds.
Insects
Insects are one of the most common pests of vegetable gardens. There are a wide variety of insects that can damage plants, including:
Aphids
Cabbage worms
Colorado potato beetles
Flea beetles
Japanese beetles
Spider mites
Thrips
How to Protect Your Vegetable Garden from Animals
There are a number of things you can do to protect your vegetable garden from animals. These include:
Fencing: Fencing is one of the most effective ways to keep animals out of your garden. Choose a fence that is at least 6 feet tall and made of a sturdy material, such as wood or metal. Be sure to bury the fence at least 6 inches underground to prevent animals from digging under it.
Netting: Netting is another effective way to keep animals out of your garden. You can use netting to cover your plants, or you can drape it over the entire garden. Choose a netting that is fine enough to keep out the animals you are concerned about.
Repellents: There are a number of commercial repellents available that can help to keep animals out of your garden. These repellents typically contain ingredients that are unpleasant to animals, such as capsaicin or peppermint oil.
Traps: Traps can be an effective way to catch animals that are damaging your garden. Choose a trap that is designed for the specific type of animal you are trying to catch.
Hunting: In some cases, hunting may be the only effective way to control animal damage. Be sure to check your local laws and regulations before hunting animals on your property.
Conclusion
Animal damage can be a serious problem for vegetable gardeners. However, there are a number of things you can do to protect your garden from pests. By following the tips above, you can help to keep your plants healthy and productive.
Additional Resources
[How to Keep Animals Out of Your Vegetable Garden](https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/keep-animals-out-of-garden/7171.html)
[Animal Damage Control for Vegetable Gardens](https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/pest-management/animal-damage)
[Protecting Your Vegetable Garden from Animals](https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-Your-Vegetable-Garden-From-Animals)