Have tried just about everything except electric fence! I cannot poison or kill them so I need deterrents. I have a weak chicken wire fence and need to get a stronger fence but will this even help?

The chicken wire might help more if you lay it down on the ground. A groundhog will just burrow under a fence.

Have you tried spraying around some scent deterrents? You can make your own with garlic and eggs and such, or buy a bottle of "Critter Ridder" or some such thing and spray it on and under the plants. There's also a granular scent deterrent that may be effective - you sprinkle it on the ground. Can't recall the name but I got it at Home Depot and it has seemed to help with keeping the bunny out of the school garden.

Some people also swear by "marking the territory" by spreading your own urine around a perimeter like cats and dogs do. The groundhog may take the scent to mean there is a predator in the area and go elsewhere.

to NGA!

How do groundhogs operate? We have gophers. Dig a hole, line it with chicken wire. Make sure the chicken wire sticks out of the ground a few inches making a little fence and basket to plant in. It keeps gophers out but I have never seen a groundhog.

Daisy

I think the only way you will be able to have a garden if you have groundhogs or raccoons is electric fence. They are relentless. The SU has no problem dispatching them, along with the destructive raccoons. They are terrible.

I thank you for your answers. I have tried all the sprays and animal scents to no avail. My daughter told me my garden looked like a UFO with all the stuff I have tied to it. Ann Z what is SU? I think I will try the electric fence this year and see if it helps!

Spousal Unit.

Oh! Now I get you. I would be dispatched by daughter if I even thought about it!

Spousal Unit?

Daisyl, Groundhogs are bigger and can get to 13 pounds. Mine looks like it weighs 25 pounds!

20 gauge was my only salvation. They literally destroyed a vegetable garden while I was away for a week-end. 7 beds ~ 6' x 12' GONE. My Dad made them go away. For good.