Gardeners often protect plants from wildlife, and groundhogs are a common concern. Many wonder if these burrowing animals threaten begonias. Understanding groundhog feeding habits and begonia characteristics clarifies this query.
Groundhogs and Begonias The Direct Answer
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are herbivores that consume a variety of green plants, fruits, and vegetables. Their diet includes clover, alfalfa, grasses, dandelion, and common garden vegetables like beans, peas, and carrot tops. They can consume up to one-third of their body weight daily.
Begonias are generally not a preferred food source for groundhogs. This is due to oxalic acid, which can be irritating or mildly toxic, and the unappealing taste and texture of begonia leaves, making them less desirable than other vegetation. While a hungry groundhog might sample a begonia if other food sources are scarce, they typically avoid making it a staple.
Identifying Damage to Your Begonias
If your begonias show signs of damage, groundhogs are likely not the culprits. Groundhog damage often presents as large, cleanly cut stems or entire plants consumed, particularly young seedlings. Their presence is also indicated by large burrow entrances (typically 10-12 inches in diameter) surrounded by excavated dirt mounds. Worn paths between burrows and feeding areas are another sign.
More common begonia pests include slugs, snails, and insects like mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Slugs and snails leave irregular holes in leaves, often accompanied by a shiny slime trail. Spider mites cause tiny white or yellow speckles on leaves, sometimes with fine webbing. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses on stems and leaves, leading to stunted growth. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that cluster on new growth, causing distorted leaves and sticky residue. Deer can also browse on begonias, leaving ragged edges on torn plants and hoof prints, particularly when other food is scarce.
Strategies for Protecting Your Begonias
Protecting begonias from garden pests involves preventative measures and targeted interventions. Good garden hygiene, such as regularly removing plant debris and weeds, eliminates pest hiding spots and breeding grounds. Proper watering practices, like watering in the morning, can deter slugs and snails that thrive in damp conditions.
Physical barriers offer direct protection. Fencing can deter larger animals like groundhogs and deer; a groundhog fence needs to be at least 3 feet high and buried 12 inches deep with an L-shape bend to prevent burrowing underneath. For deer, taller fences (5-6 feet) are more effective. Repellents can also be used; groundhogs dislike the smell of castor oil, garlic, and herbs like mint and lavender, which can be sprayed or planted around vulnerable areas. For smaller pests, insecticidal soaps or neem oil can manage infestations, and companion planting with aromatic herbs like basil or marigolds may help deter some insects.