Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, can wreak havoc on your carefully tended garden, devouring plants and digging burrows. Did you know that a single groundhog can consume up to a pound of vegetation per day?1
Fortunately, there are natural ways to deter these pesky critters without resorting to harsh chemicals or traps.
By strategically incorporating certain plants into your garden, you can create an environment that groundhogs find unappealing, protecting your precious plants from their voracious appetites. Here are 10 plants that repel groundhogs and how to use them effectively.
1. Lavender
The strong scent of lavender is offensive to groundhogs, making them less likely to venture into your yard. Planting lavender around the perimeter of your garden creates an aromatic barrier that keeps these pesky critters at bay.
Lavender is a versatile plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It’s drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it an ideal choice for busy gardeners. Plus, you can enjoy the added benefits of attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden while keeping groundhogs away.
2. Marigolds
Marigolds are a classic companion plant in vegetable gardens, known for their ability to deter various pests, including groundhogs. The pungent smell of marigolds is unappealing to these rodents, discouraging them from munching on your precious plants.
Not only do marigolds repel groundhogs, but they also add a vibrant pop of color to your garden. These cheerful annuals come in shades of yellow, orange, and red, brightening up any landscape. Marigolds are easy to grow from seed and require minimal care, making them a perfect choice for novice gardeners.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant herb that belongs to the mint family, which groundhogs tend to avoid. The strong aroma of rosemary is off-putting to these rodents, making it an excellent choice for deterring them from your garden.
It is also a versatile herb that can be used in cooking, adding a delightful flavor to various dishes. It’s also a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in sunny locations, making it a low-maintenance option for your garden.
4. Foxglove
Foxglove, with its tall spikes of tubular flowers, is not only a stunning ornamental plant but also a natural groundhog deterrent. The plant contains digitoxin, a toxic compound that makes it unpalatable to groundhogs and other rodents.
While foxglove is effective at repelling groundhogs, it’s important to note that all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested by humans or pets. Exercise caution when planting foxglove and keep it out of reach of children and animals.
5. Daffodils
Daffodils are a cheerful sign of spring that can also help keep groundhogs away. These bulbs contain lycorine, a toxic alkaloid that makes them unappetizing to groundhogs and other rodents.
Planting daffodils around the perimeter of your garden or interspersed among your other plants can create a natural barrier against groundhogs. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy the beautiful yellow and white blooms that herald the arrival of spring.
6. Alliums
Alliums, which include garlic, onions, and chives, are known for their pungent aroma that groundhogs find offensive. Planting these herbs around your garden can help deter these pesky critters from nibbling on your plants.
They also have culinary and medicinal uses. Garlic and onions are staples in many dishes, while chives make a flavorful addition to salads and garnishes. Plus, these plants are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance.
7. Butterfly Weed
Butterfly weed, aa relative of milkweed, is not only a beautiful addition to your garden but also a natural groundhog repellent. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to groundhogs and other mammals.
As the name suggests, butterfly weed is also an excellent plant for attracting butterflies to your garden. The bright orange flowers provide nectar for these colorful insects, making your yard a haven for pollinators while keeping groundhogs at bay.
8. Catmint
Catmint, a member of the mint family, is another plant that groundhogs tend to avoid due to its strong scent. This hardy perennial is easy to grow and produces beautiful lavender-blue flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
Catmint is also known for its ability to deter other pests like aphids and Japanese beetles. It’s a low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
9. Yarrow
Yarrow is a tough, drought-tolerant perennial that groundhogs find unappetizing. The plant’s strong aroma and bitter taste make it unappealing to these rodents, helping to keep them away from your garden.
It comes in a variety of colors, including yellow, pink, and red, adding a lovely touch of color to your landscape. It’s also a valuable plant for attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which help control garden pests.
10. Wormwood
Wormwood, with its silvery-green foliage and pungent aroma, is a plant that groundhogs tend to avoid. The strong scent of wormwood is off-putting to these rodents, making it an effective natural repellent.
In addition to its groundhog-deterring properties, wormwood has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. However, it’s important to note that wormwood can be toxic if consumed in large quantities, so use caution when planting it in your garden.
By incorporating these groundhog-repelling plants into your garden, you can create a natural barrier that keeps these pesky critters at bay. Not only will you be protecting your precious plants, but you’ll also be adding beauty and diversity to your landscape.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.