Groundhogs can be a real nuisance, devouring plants and digging up gardens with alarming speed. Finding effective and natural ways to repel them is essential for gardeners. Fortunately, there are several plants that not only beautify your garden but also keep these pesky creatures at bay.
By strategically planting these species, you can transform your garden into an unfriendly territory for groundhogs. Below is a list of 30 plants known to deter groundhogs.
1. Lavender
Gardening enthusiasts often appreciate the aromatic essence of lavender. This perennial herb is admired not only for its soothing fragrance but also for its ability to repel groundhogs. Lavender’s strong scent is unpleasant to groundhogs, making it an effective deterrent.
Planting lavender around the perimeter of your garden can help create a natural barrier. Besides being a pest repellent, lavender attracts beneficial pollinators like bees. Its vibrant purple flowers add a splash of color to any garden, making it both functional and beautiful.
2. Marigolds
A splash of vibrant color, marigolds are more than just pretty flowers. These annuals are a popular choice for gardeners aiming to keep groundhogs at bay. The distinct odor of marigolds is known to be off-putting to these animals.
Plant marigolds along garden borders to create a protective, colorful shield. Besides their pest-repelling properties, marigolds are easy to grow and maintain. They thrive in sunny locations and can also help improve soil health, making them a valuable addition to any garden.
3. Mint
The refreshing scent of mint is a favorite for many, but not for groundhogs. This fragrant herb is effective in deterring these creatures due to its strong aroma. Mint plants are hardy and can spread quickly.
Consider planting mint in containers to control its growth while still benefiting from its repelling properties. The versatile herb can be used for culinary purposes as well, adding another layer of utility to its presence in your garden. Mint’s lush green leaves create a refreshing visual appeal.
4. Garlic
Cooks and gardeners alike know the value of garlic. While its culinary uses are vast, garlic is also a powerhouse in pest repellent. The pungent smell of garlic wards off groundhogs effectively.
Plant garlic cloves in your vegetable garden to protect it from unwanted munching. As a bonus, you’ll have fresh garlic to use in your kitchen. Garlic is relatively low maintenance and can be grown in various soil types, adding both security and spice to your garden.
5. Daffodils
Spring gardens come alive with the cheerful sight of daffodils. These vibrant flowers are not only a herald of the new season but also a deterrent to groundhogs. The bulbs of daffodils contain toxic compounds that groundhogs avoid.
Planting daffodils around your garden can help protect other plants from being disturbed. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, making them a reliable choice for many gardeners. Their sunny disposition adds joy and color to any landscape setting.
6. Chives
For an herb that packs a punch, chives are a go-to for gardeners. Known for their onion-like aroma, chives are effective in deterring groundhogs and other pests.
Growing chives in your garden not only helps keep groundhogs away but also provides a tasty addition to your culinary endeavors. Chives are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. Their purple blossoms are not only pretty but also attract beneficial insects, supporting overall garden health.
7. Snapdragons
Admired for their unique blooms, snapdragons are a favorite among many gardeners. These hardy annuals are not only attractive but also effective in repelling groundhogs. The strong scent and bitter taste of snapdragons discourage these animals from nibbling.
Snapdragons thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them easy to grow in many garden settings. Their colorful flowers add visual interest, while their pest-repelling properties protect your garden investment.
8. Thyme
A versatile herb, thyme is beloved for its culinary uses and aromatic qualities. Its strong scent is unpleasant to groundhogs, making it a practical choice for gardeners seeking natural repellents.
Plant thyme along garden borders or in pots to take advantage of its deterrent properties. Besides repelling groundhogs, thyme attracts bees and other pollinators, enhancing your garden’s ecological balance. Its low-growing habit makes it an excellent ground cover that adds texture to your garden landscape.
9. Rosemary
Not just a kitchen staple, rosemary serves as a valuable addition to any garden looking to repel groundhogs. Its woody aroma is off-putting to these critters, making it an effective natural barrier.
Consider planting rosemary near vegetable patches to protect them from groundhog incursions. Rosemary is drought-tolerant and thrives in sunny locations, demanding little maintenance. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round beauty and functionality in your garden.
10. Oregano
Widely used in Mediterranean cooking, oregano also plays a role in garden pest management. Its strong, aromatic leaves deter groundhogs effectively.
Adding oregano to your garden not only helps keep pests away but also provides fresh herbs for your culinary creations. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, requiring minimal care. Oregano’s resilience and pest-repelling properties make it a valuable addition to any gardener’s toolkit.
11. Basil
Known for its sweet and spicy aroma, basil is more than just a culinary herb. It also acts as a deterrent for groundhogs with its strong scent.
Planting basil in your garden provides dual benefits: culinary enhancements and pest control. Basil thrives in sunny locations and well-drained soil, making it easy to cultivate. Its vibrant green leaves add beauty and utility to your garden, ensuring it remains a functional space.
12. Sage
Gardeners seeking a fragrant and functional plant often turn to sage. Its strong aroma acts as a natural repellent to groundhogs, helping to guard your garden.
Sage is a hardy perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Beyond its repelling properties, sage adds culinary value and can be used in various recipes. Its silvery leaves and purple blooms add visual interest, enhancing your garden’s aesthetic appeal.
13. Alliums
Standing tall with their globe-like flowers, alliums are a striking addition to any garden. Groundhogs tend to avoid these plants due to their strong scent and taste.
Alliums are easy to grow and can be planted among other flowers to add height and intrigue. They require minimal care and thrive in well-drained soil and sunny locations. Their unique appearance and pest-repelling properties make them a favorite choice for many gardeners.
14. Fennel
The feathery foliage of fennel adds a delicate touch to gardens while serving as a deterrent to groundhogs. Its strong scent and flavor are unappealing to these animals.
Fennel is a versatile plant that can be used in culinary applications, adding value to its place in the garden. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring little maintenance. Its dual-purpose nature makes fennel a practical choice for any garden.
15. Hyssop
A perennial herb with aromatic leaves and vibrant blue flowers, this plant naturally deters pests. Hyssop’s strong scent keeps groundhogs away.
Planting hyssop in your garden can help protect other plants while attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. Hyssop thrives in well-drained soil and sunny locations, offering versatility and beauty. Its medicinal properties add another layer of value for those interested in herbal remedies.
16. Catnip
While a favorite for cats, catnip is not well-loved by groundhogs. Its strong scent serves as a natural repellent, keeping these critters at bay.
Growing catnip in your garden not only deters pests but also attracts pollinators. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and sunny locations, requiring minimal upkeep. Its dual purpose makes catnip an ideal addition for gardeners seeking beauty and functionality.
17. Bee Balm
The vibrant blooms of bee balm attract an array of pollinators but repel groundhogs with their strong scent. This perennial plant adds both beauty and functionality to gardens.
Planting bee balm can help create a lively, pest-free environment. It thrives in well-drained soil and sunny locations, requiring minimal maintenance. Its colorful flowers add a striking visual element, making it a favorite among gardeners.
18. Calendula
The cheerful blooms of calendula are more than just eye-catching; they also serve a functional purpose in repelling groundhogs. The strong scent and taste of calendula are unappealing to these animals.
Calendula is easy to grow and thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Besides its pest-repelling properties, calendula offers medicinal benefits and can be used in homemade remedies. Its vibrant flowers brighten up any garden space.
19. Petunias
A colorful and practical garden addition, this flower also helps with pest control. Petunias’ strong scent keeps groundhogs away from your plants.
These flowers are easy to grow and thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Petunias’ wide range of colors allows for creative garden design. Besides their beauty, they help protect other plants from being devoured by groundhogs.
20. Rhubarb
Gardeners with a taste for unique plants often turn to rhubarb. Its large leaves and tart stalks are not favored by groundhogs, making it an effective deterrent.
Rhubarb requires well-drained soil and sunny locations to thrive. While its leaves are toxic to groundhogs, they add an architectural element to garden design. The edible stalks can be used in various culinary dishes, providing both functionality and flavor.
21. Cilantro
Known for its distinctive flavor, cilantro is a versatile herb that also serves to repel groundhogs. Its strong scent is off-putting to these animals.
Cilantro grows well in sunny locations with well-drained soil, making it a practical choice for gardens. Besides its repelling properties, cilantro offers culinary benefits, enhancing various dishes. Its lush green leaves add texture and zest to garden spaces.
22. Euphorbia
A natural repellent for groundhogs, this plant helps protect your garden. Euphorbia’s milky sap and strong scent make it unappealing to these animals.
These resilient plants thrive in sunny, well-drained locations and require minimal maintenance. Euphorbia’s unique appearance adds artistic flair to garden designs. Their pest-repelling properties and distinctive look make them a valuable addition to any garden space.
23. Foxglove
The towering spikes of foxglove make a dramatic statement in gardens, while also serving as a deterrent to groundhogs. These plants contain toxic compounds that are unappealing to these animals.
Foxglove thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil, adding height and color to garden designs. Their elegant flowers attract pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity. While beautiful, foxglove should be handled with care due to its toxic nature.
24. Lantana
A vibrant, pest-resistant choice for gardens, this plant helps keep unwanted visitors away. Lantana’s strong scent makes it unappealing to groundhogs.
These plants thrive in sunny locations and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care. Lantana’s colorful blooms attract pollinators, adding life to your garden. Their resilient nature and pest-repelling properties make lantana a valuable addition to any landscape.
25. Horehound
Gardeners seeking a natural pest deterrent often turn to horehound. Its strong aroma is disliked by groundhogs, making it an effective repellent.
Horehound thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil, requiring little maintenance. Besides its repelling properties, horehound offers medicinal benefits and can be used in homemade remedies. Its unique appearance adds texture to garden designs.
26. Rue
A hardy perennial with natural pest-repelling properties, this plant keeps groundhogs away. Rue’s strong scent makes it an effective garden protector.
This plant thrives in sunny, well-drained locations and requires minimal care. Rue’s distinctive blue-green leaves add a unique touch to garden designs. Besides repelling pests, rue has medicinal properties, making it a versatile addition to any garden.
27. Wormwood
A strong aroma and bitter taste make this plant an effective natural repellent for groundhogs. Wormwood helps keep these animals away from your garden.
These hardy plants thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil, demanding little care. Wormwood’s silvery foliage adds a striking contrast to garden designs, enhancing visual appeal. Besides its repelling properties, wormwood can be used in traditional herbal remedies.
28. Yarrow
The feathery foliage and cluster blooms of yarrow are not only visually appealing but also serve as a deterrent to groundhogs. Its strong scent and bitter taste keep these animals at bay.
Yarrow thrives in well-drained soil and sunny locations, requiring minimal maintenance. Besides its pest-repelling properties, yarrow attracts beneficial insects, supporting garden biodiversity. Its resilience and beauty make yarrow a valuable addition to any garden.
29. Zinnias
Bright, cheerful blooms with pest-repelling properties make these flowers a garden favorite. Zinnias, in particular, are avoided by groundhogs due to their strong scent.
These annuals are easy to grow and thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Zinnias’ wide range of colors allows for creative garden displays. Besides their visual appeal, they help protect other plants from being disturbed by groundhogs, making them a practical choice for gardeners.