There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your vegetable garden thrive—until you notice half-eaten lettuce, trampled plants, or freshly dug holes. Rabbits, deer, groundhogs, and other wildlife may look cute, but when it comes to your veggies, they can quickly turn into frustrating garden pests.
These animals don’t just nibble; they often burrow around plant roots, stomp over seedlings, and leave your garden looking like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Thankfully, there are ways to protect your hard work while still coexisting with nature.
COMMON GARDEN OFFENDERS
Rabbits Known for chewing tender greens, beans, and carrots. They often slip through small gaps and leave cleanly clipped stems behind.
Deer They’ll eat just about anything in sight, especially leafy crops, and can flatten whole sections of your garden in one night.
Groundhogs & other Burrowers These diggers love root crops and can tunnel through beds, disturbing plants from below.
SMART WAYS TO KEEP WILDLIFE OUT
Install Fencing A sturdy fence is the most reliable way to protect your garden. For rabbits, use chicken wire or mesh fencing at least 2–3 feet tall, making sure to bury the bottom 6–12 inches underground to prevent digging. For deer, consider installing a taller fence—about 6–8 feet high—since they’re skilled jumpers and can easily clear shorter barriers.
Try Natural Repellents Scents that are unpleasant to animals can help keep them away from your garden. Sprinkling garlic, hot pepper flakes, or blood meal around your plants can be effective, and you can also use commercial repellents made with safe, natural ingredients—just be sure they’re garden-friendly.
Add Motion Deterrents Critters don’t like surprises. Motion-activated sprinklers, lights, or even reflective objects like old CDs can scare off curious visitors.
Plant “Decoys” or Unappealing Borders Some plants are less appetizing to animals. Try planting marigolds, lavender, or strong-smelling herbs around the edge of your garden to act as a barrier - we love them, but they don’t!
Keep Your Garden Tidy Remove fallen fruit, extra weeds, or brush piles that provide hiding spots for small animals. The less inviting your garden is as a habitat, the less likely pests will stick around.
It can be frustrating to lose your vegetables to hungry wildlife, but remember—they’re just looking for food like the rest of us. By combining physical barriers, repellents, and smart planting strategies, you can protect your garden without harming the animals.
With the right precautions, your vegetables stay safe, and you still get to enjoy visits from wildlife—at a distance.
At SimplyGro, we believe in growing naturally and sustainably. Explore our fertilizers and seeds to give your plants the best start—so you can enjoy your harvest, not share it with the neighborhood critters!