So, you've got gophers. Those furry little blighters are the bane of every gardener's existence. They tunnel, they eat, they generally make a mess of things. But before you reach for the poison or call in a full-blown extermination squad, let's explore a more, shall we say, garden-friendly approach: plants that repel gophers. Yes, you read that right. Nature, in its infinite wisdom, has provided us with some botanical allies in the fight against these subterranean squatters.
This isn't some kind of magical bulletproof solution, mind you. Gophers are persistent critters. However, strategically planting certain gopher-disliking plants can significantly reduce their appeal to your garden and nudge them towards less hospitable (and less tasty) pastures. Think of it as a natural repellent, a well-placed botanical deterrent to keep those furry freeloaders at bay.
Let's dive into the leafy arsenal and discover which plants can help you reclaim your garden from the gopher menace. We'll cover the best choices, how to plant them, and even explore a few bonus tips to increase your chances of gopher-free bliss.
Not all plants are created equal in the eyes of a gopher. Some are downright delicious, practically begging to be tunneled under. Others, however, trigger a gopher's internal "nope!" alarm. Here are some of the most effective plants to consider for your gopher-repelling garden:
First, consider Euphorbias: This family includes the likes of gopher spurge (Euphorbia lathyris). The milky sap of these plants is unappetizing, to say the least, for gophers, and their deep roots further discourage tunneling. Plant them strategically, and watch those little digging devils think twice.
Next up are aromatic herbs: These plants are another line of defense. Gophers find strong scents unpleasant, and herbs such as rosemary, lavender, and especially, garlic and onions, can be highly effective. Plant these near borders or around vulnerable areas of your garden.
Then there is the Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) plant, known for its extremely toxic seeds. While beautiful, and it can repel gophers, it requires careful handling. Keep children and pets away from it. Make sure you know the risks.
Finally, consider planting a Crown Imperial Fritillary (Fritillaria imperialis): This flower's bulb contains a substance that gophers find distasteful. Plant these spring bloomers to add some visual appeal to your garden while also deterring the burrowing pests.
Simply scattering these plants willy-nilly won't necessarily do the trick. You need a strategy, a well-thought-out botanical defense plan. Think of it like a fortress, with specific areas needing extra protection. So, where should you plant these gopher-repelling heroes?
Around the perimeter is a good starting point. Planting a border of gopher-repelling plants around your garden creates a natural barrier, discouraging gophers from even entering in the first place. This is especially useful if you have a fence, as it reinforces the protection.
Protect vulnerable areas. Got a raised bed? A precious rose bush? A prized collection of vegetables? Plant gopher-repelling plants around these areas. This creates a localized defense, protecting the things you cherish most. Consider planting in pots or containers near these vulnerable spots for extra protection.
Interplant with gopher favorites. If you simply can't resist growing plants that gophers love (like carrots or lettuce), consider interplanting them with gopher-repelling companions. The hope is that the gophers will be confused and/or deterred from munching on the goodies.
As mentioned earlier, plants alone may not be enough. Gophers are resourceful. To truly evict them, you may need to bring out some additional firepower. Here are a few supplementary strategies to consider:
Consider Gopher Baskets: For vulnerable plants, especially valuable ones, consider using gopher baskets. These are wire mesh cages that you bury around the root ball of the plant. The gopher can't get to the roots, but the plant can still grow.
Use Ultrasonic Devices: While the effectiveness of ultrasonic gopher repellents is debatable, some gardeners swear by them. These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are supposed to annoy gophers, driving them away. Place them strategically around your garden and see if they work for you.
Create a barrier: If you're planning a new garden bed, consider burying wire mesh (hardware cloth) a couple of feet below the soil surface. This creates a physical barrier that gophers can't tunnel through. This is a more intensive method, but very effective.
Let's address some of the most common questions about using plants to repel gophers:
Q: Will these plants guarantee that I won't have gophers?
A: No. Gophers are persistent and determined. These plants are a deterrent, and using them correctly increases your chances of success. A multi-pronged approach (plants, barriers, and other methods) usually is the most effective strategy.
Q: How long does it take for these plants to start working?
A: It depends. Some plants, like garlic and onions, provide an immediate scent deterrent. Others, like gopher spurge, take time to establish themselves and build up their defenses. Be patient and consistent with your efforts.
Q: What if the gophers just eat the repellent plants?
A: While it's rare, it can happen. That's why a diverse strategy is important. If you see gophers munching on your rosemary, consider adding other plants, barriers, or repellents to bolster your defense.