Plants That Gophers Hate: Protecting Your Garden from These Pesky Rodents

The Problem with Gophers

Gophers may look cute and harmless, but they can wreak havoc on your garden. These burrowing rodents can destroy your plants and ruin your yard's landscaping. They dig tunnels underground, which can cause soil erosion and damage to your lawn. Additionally, their burrows can create tripping hazards for people and pets.

So, what can you do to prevent gophers from damaging your garden? One solution is to plant species of vegetation that these pesky rodents dislike. In this article, we'll explore some of the best plants to deter gophers and protect your outdoor space.

1. Daffodils

Daffodils are beautiful flowers that can add some color to your garden while also keeping gophers at bay. These plants contain lycorine, a toxic chemical that repels rodents. While humans and other animals can safely enjoy daffodils, gophers will avoid them.

To get the most out of your daffodils, plant them in clusters. This will make it harder for gophers to navigate through your garden beds without encountering the repellant scent of the daffodils.

How to Plant Daffodils

When planting daffodils, choose a well-draining location with plenty of sunlight. Dig a hole that's about six inches deep and place the bulb inside. Cover with soil and water regularly until your daffodils bloom.

2. Fritillarias

Fritillarias are another beautiful flower that gophers hate. These plants contain poisonous alkaloids that make them unappetizing to rodents. Fritillarias come in a variety of colors, including purple, white, and yellow.

How to Plant Fritillarias

To plant fritillarias, choose a location with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Dig a hole that's about six inches deep and place the bulb inside. Cover with soil and water regularly until your fritillarias bloom.

3. Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular choice for gardeners because they're easy to grow and come in a variety of colors. They also happen to be a natural gopher repellent. Marigolds contain thiophene, a chemical that gophers dislike.

How to Plant Marigolds

When planting marigolds, choose a location with plenty of sun and well-draining soil. Dig a hole that's about six inches deep and place the seedling inside. Cover with soil and water regularly until your marigolds bloom.

4. Euphorbias

Euphorbias are a group of plants that includes spurge, milkweed, and poinsettias. These plants contain a toxic latex sap that makes them unappealing to gophers. Additionally, euphorbias have a strong scent that repels rodents.

How to Plant Euphorbias

When planting euphorbias, choose a location with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Dig a hole that's about six inches deep and place the seedling inside. Cover with soil and water regularly until your euphorbias establish themselves.

5. Castor Beans

Castor beans are a fast-growing plant that can add some tropical flair to your garden. These plants contain ricin, a toxic chemical that gophers avoid. While it's important to handle castor beans with care (as they're poisonous to humans and other animals), they can be an effective way to deter rodents.

How to Plant Castor Beans

When planting castor beans, choose a location with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Dig a hole that's about two inches deep and place the seed inside. Cover with soil and water regularly until your castor beans establish themselves.

6. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that can add some beauty to your garden while also repelling gophers. These plants have a strong scent that rodents dislike. Additionally, lavender contains a compound called linalool that can be toxic to gophers in high doses.

How to Plant Lavender

When planting lavender, choose a location with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Dig a hole that's about six inches deep and place the seedling inside. Cover with soil and water regularly until your lavender establishes itself.

7. Garlic

Garlic is a delicious ingredient that can also help keep gophers away from your garden. These plants contain sulfur compounds that make them unappealing to rodents. Plus, garlic can be harvested and used in your cooking!

How to Plant Garlic

When planting garlic, choose a location with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Plant your garlic cloves about four inches deep and six inches apart. Water regularly until your garlic bulbs are ready to harvest.

8. Onions

Onions are another tasty plant that gophers dislike. Similar to garlic, onions contain sulfur compounds that make them unappetizing to rodents. Plus, onions can be harvested and used in a variety of recipes.

How to Plant Onions

When planting onions, choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun. Plant your onion bulbs about two inches deep and six inches apart. Water regularly until your onions are ready to harvest.

9. Mint

Mint is an aromatic herb that can also help keep gophers away from your garden. These plants have a strong scent that repels rodents. Additionally, mint contains a compound called pulegone that can be toxic to gophers in high doses.

How to Plant Mint

When planting mint, choose a location with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Dig a hole that's about six inches deep and place the seedling inside. Cover with soil and water regularly until your mint establishes itself.

10. Rosemary

Rosemary is another fragrant herb that can help keep gophers at bay. Similar to lavender and mint, rosemary has a strong scent that rodents dislike. Additionally, rosemary contains a compound called camphor that can be toxic to gophers in high doses.

How to Plant Rosemary

When planting rosemary, choose a location with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Dig a hole that's about six inches deep and place the seedling inside. Cover with soil and water regularly until your rosemary establishes itself.

11. Sage

Sage is a versatile herb that can add some flavor to your cooking while also deterring gophers. These plants contain a compound called thujone that makes them unappetizing to rodents. Additionally, sage has a strong scent that can repel gophers.

How to Plant Sage

When planting sage, choose a location with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Dig a hole that's about six inches deep and place the seedling inside. Cover with soil and water regularly until your sage establishes itself.

12. Chives

Chives are a tasty herb that can also help keep gophers away from your garden. Similar to garlic and onions, chives contain sulfur compounds that make them unappetizing to rodents. Plus, chives can be harvested and used in a variety of dishes.

How to Plant Chives

When planting chives, choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun. Plant your chive bulbs about two inches deep and six inches apart. Water regularly until your chives are ready to harvest.

13. Forsythia

Forsythia is a beautiful shrub that can add some color to your garden while also repelling gophers. These plants have a bitter taste that makes them unappealing to rodents. Plus, forsythia blooms early in the spring, making it a great addition to your garden.

How to Plant Forsythia

When planting forsythia, choose a location with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Dig a hole that's about six inches deep and place the seedling inside. Cover with soil and water regularly until your forsythia establishes itself.

14. Barberry

Barberry is a thorny shrub that can add some beauty to your garden while also keeping gophers at bay. These plants have a bitter taste that makes them unappetizing to rodents. Additionally, barberry has thorns that can deter gophers from getting too close.

How to Plant Barberry

When planting barberry, choose a location with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Dig a hole that's about six inches deep and place the seedling inside. Cover with soil and water regularly until your barberry establishes itself.

15. Bleeding Heart

Bleeding heart is a delicate flower that can add some charm to your garden while also repelling gophers. These plants contain isoquinoline alkaloids that make them unappetizing to rodents. Plus, bleeding hearts have beautiful, heart-shaped blooms that are sure to impress.

How to Plant Bleeding Heart

When planting bleeding heart, choose a location with well-draining soil and partial shade. Dig a hole that's about six inches deep and place the seedling inside. Cover with soil and water regularly until your bleeding heart establishes itself.

FAQs

1. Can I use these plants to deter other rodents?

While these plants are effective at deterring gophers, they may not be as effective at deterring other rodents such as mice or rats.

2. Are these plants safe for pets?

Most of these plants are safe for pets, but it's always a good idea to do your research before adding any new plant to your garden.

3. Will these plants completely get rid of gophers?

Planting these types of vegetation can help deter gophers, but it may not completely get rid of them. Other methods, such as traps or repellents, may be necessary.

4. How do I know if gophers are damaging my garden?

Look for signs such as mounds of dirt, chewed roots, or tunnels in your lawn.

5. Can I plant these plants in containers?

Yes, most of these plants can be grown in containers as long as they have adequate drainage and sunlight.