## Garden Vegetables that Groundhogs Eat
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are common garden pests that can cause significant damage to crops. These large rodents are opportunistic feeders and will eat a wide variety of plants, including many garden vegetables.
### List of Vegetables that Groundhogs Eat
Some of the most common garden vegetables that groundhogs eat include:
– Beans (green beans, snap beans, pole beans, lima beans)
– Broccoli
– Brussels sprouts
– Cabbage
– Carrots
– Cauliflower
– Celery
– Corn
– Cucumbers
– Eggplant
– Lettuce
– Melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew)
– Peas
– Potatoes
– Pumpkins
– Radishes
– Squash (zucchini, summer squash, butternut squash)
– Tomatoes
– Turnips
### How to Protect Your Garden from Groundhogs
There are a number of things you can do to protect your garden from groundhogs. Some of the most effective methods include:
– Fencing: The most effective way to keep groundhogs out of your garden is to install a fence around the perimeter. The fence should be at least 3 feet tall and buried at least 1 foot underground.
– Trapping: If fencing is not an option, you can trap groundhogs using live traps. Place the traps in areas where groundhogs are active and bait them with fruits, vegetables, or peanut butter.
– Repellents: There are a number of commercial repellents available that can help to deter groundhogs. Some of the most effective repellents contain capsaicin, which is a natural irritant that groundhogs find unpleasant.
– Hunting: In some areas, hunting is allowed as a way to control groundhog populations. However, it is important to check with your local wildlife officials before hunting groundhogs.
### Additional Tips
In addition to the methods listed above, there are a number of other things you can do to make your garden less attractive to groundhogs. These include:
– Keep your garden clean: Groundhogs are attracted to overgrown vegetation and debris. Keep your garden free of weeds and remove any piles of leaves or other debris.
– Remove food sources: Avoid leaving pet food or birdseed outside, as this can attract groundhogs.
– Cover your compost pile: Groundhogs love to dig through compost piles in search of food. Keep your compost pile covered to prevent groundhogs from getting into it.
– Plant resistant varieties: Some varieties of plants are more resistant to groundhogs than others. When selecting plants for your garden, choose varieties that are known to be resistant to groundhogs.
By following these tips, you can help to protect your garden from groundhogs and enjoy a bountiful harvest.