Hello and welcome to ATP.
Could you try to upload some photos? Maybe put something in the photo for size reference like a pen or trowel?
Could be rabbits, skunks, opossums, groundhogs; if the holes are 3" or larger probably not moles, voles or chipmunks. There are feral hogs in southern New Jersey; they can do a pretty good night's work and leave a mess.
While you wait to learn exactly which critter it is, you might try to lay some chicken wire on the ground and secure it with long 'staples'; that might give your plants some time to recover.
Edited at add:
I was typing while
@Zencat was posting. It never occurred to me to ask if there are dogs or cats in the area. Freshly turned soil would attract them.
