Plants that Repel Gophers

Gophers are burrowing rodents that can wreak havoc on lawns and gardens. They can quickly cause damage to plants by eating their roots, causing them to wither and die. However, there are many natural methods of keeping gophers away from your garden, including the use of plants that repel them. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best plants that repel gophers and how to use them in your garden.

The Best Plants that Repel Gophers

Mint

Mint is a great plant to have in your garden, not just because it adds a fresh scent and flavor to your food, but also because it repels gophers. It works by producing a strong odor that gophers find unpleasant. You can plant mint around the perimeter of your garden or near the areas where gophers are known to invade. Another option is to crush up some fresh mint leaves and sprinkle them around your garden.

Garlic

Garlic is another great plant to use as a natural gopher repellent. Its pungent smell is enough to keep gophers away. You can plant garlic bulbs around the edges of your garden or even in containers scattered throughout your garden. If you don't want to plant garlic, you can also hang garlic cloves in mesh bags around your garden.

Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful, fragrant plant that also happens to repel gophers. Its strong scent keeps gophers at bay, making it an excellent choice for planting around the edges of your garden or near areas where gophers are known to invade. You can also use dried lavender to make sachets that you can hang around your garden.

Marigolds

Marigolds are not only beautiful, but they also have a pungent scent that repels gophers. Plant them around the edges of your garden or near areas where gophers are known to invade. Marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help keep other pests in check.

Daffodils

Daffodils contain a toxin called lycorine that is toxic to gophers. Planting daffodil bulbs around your garden can help deter gophers and other burrowing rodents. However, be careful not to plant them too close to your vegetable garden, as the toxin can also harm beneficial insects and earthworms.

Alliums

Alliums, such as onions, chives, and leeks, have a strong odor that can repel gophers. They also contain sulfur compounds that can be toxic to gophers in large doses. Plant them around the edges of your garden or near areas where gophers are known to invade.

Castor Beans

Castor beans contain a compound called ricin that is toxic to gophers. Planting castor beans around your garden can help deter gophers and other burrowing rodents. However, be careful not to eat or touch the beans, as they can be poisonous to humans and animals.

Calendula

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, has a strong scent that can repel gophers. It also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to any garden. Plant calendula around the edges of your garden or near areas where gophers are known to invade.

Narcissus

Narcissus, also known as daffodils, contain a toxin called lycorine that is toxic to gophers. Planting narcissus bulbs around your garden can help deter gophers and other burrowing rodents. However, be careful not to plant them too close to your vegetable garden, as the toxin can also harm beneficial insects and earthworms.

Hyacinth

Hyacinth is another beautiful flower that has a strong scent that can repel gophers. Plant hyacinths around the edges of your garden or near areas where gophers are known to invade.

Onions

Onions have a strong odor that can repel gophers. Plant them around the edges of your garden or near areas where gophers are known to invade. Onions also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help keep other pests in check.

Fritillaria

Fritillaria is a beautiful spring-blooming bulb that contains toxins that are toxic to gophers. Plant fritillaria bulbs around your garden to help deter gophers and other burrowing rodents.

Salvia

Salvia, also known as sage, has a strong scent that can repel gophers. Plant salvia around the edges of your garden or near areas where gophers are known to invade.

Chives

Chives have a strong odor that can repel gophers. Plant them around the edges of your garden or near areas where gophers are known to invade. Chives also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help keep other pests in check.

Peppermint

Peppermint is another member of the mint family that can repel gophers. Plant it around the edges of your garden or near areas where gophers are known to invade. You can also crush up fresh peppermint leaves and sprinkle them around your garden.

How to Use Plants That Repel Gophers

Now that you know which plants repel gophers, it's time to learn how to use them in your garden. Here are some tips:

Plant them around the perimeter of your garden.

One way to use these plants is to plant them around the edges of your garden or near areas where gophers are known to invade. This creates a natural barrier that gophers will be hesitant to cross.

Plant them near vulnerable plants.

Another option is to plant these repellent plants near the plants that are most vulnerable to gopher damage. The strong scent of these plants will help keep gophers away from those plants.

Crush up the leaves and sprinkle them around your garden.

If you don't want to plant these repellent plants, you can also crush up their leaves and sprinkle them around your garden. This creates a natural deterrent that can help keep gophers away.

Use them in combination with other methods.

While these plants can be effective at repelling gophers, they may not work on their own. It's best to use them in combination with other natural methods, such as burying wire mesh around the perimeter of your garden or using ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to gophers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do all plants repel gophers?

No, not all plants repel gophers. The plants listed in this article are some of the most effective at keeping gophers away.

2. Can I use these plants to repel other pests?

Yes, many of these plants can also repel other pests, such as rabbits and deer.

3. Are these plants toxic to humans or pets?

Some of the plants listed in this article, such as castor beans and daffodils, can be toxic to humans and pets if ingested. It's important to handle these plants with care and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

4. How often do I need to replace these plants?

Most of these plants will last for several years before they need to be replaced. However, it's a good idea to keep an eye on them and replace them if they to wilt or show signs of disease.

5. Do I need to plant these repellent plants every year?

It depends on the plant. Some, like mint and lavender, will come back year after year on their own. Others, like marigolds and calendula, may need to be replanted each year.


In there are many plants that can help keep gophers away from your garden. By using these natural methods, you can avoid using harmful chemicals and still have a beautiful and healthy garden. Remember to use these plants in combination with other natural methods for the best results.