Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, have voracious appetites in the garden. For those growing bright, lush begonias, the answer to whether these animals pose a threat is a definitive yes. Groundhogs frequently eat begonias, often preferring their tender foliage and stems over many other ornamental plants. This preference for tender greens can lead to the rapid destruction of entire flower beds.
The Groundhog Diet and Begonias
The groundhog is a generalist herbivore that needs to consume a significant amount of vegetation daily to prepare for winter hibernation. An adult can eat up to one to one-and-a-half pounds of plant material each day. This need for bulk feeding makes them highly attracted to young, tender vegetation, which is precisely where begonias fit into their diet.
Begonias are appealing because they possess succulent stems and soft leaves with a high water content. This texture and hydration are easy for the groundhog to process quickly, making the flowers a convenient and palatable food source during the summer months. They are also drawn to other garden favorites like clover, dandelions, peas, and beans for similar reasons.
Groundhogs are less likely to consume plants that have a strong, pungent odor or a tough, fibrous texture. They generally avoid plants that are known to be toxic or have milky sap, such as daffodils, lavender, rosemary, and mint.
Identifying Groundhog Damage
Confirming a groundhog is the culprit requires looking for specific signs that distinguish their feeding from other garden pests like rabbits or deer. Groundhogs are large rodents, and their feeding leaves behind large, clean-cut bite marks, often resulting in plants being pulled down or severed completely at ground level. This contrasts with the jagged tears left by deer or the small, angled cuts typical of rabbits.
The most telling sign of a groundhog presence is the characteristic burrow entrance. Groundhog holes are substantial, typically measuring 10 to 12 inches in diameter, and are often located near foundations, under sheds, or beneath dense shrubbery. A large mound of excavated dirt is usually pushed up right next to the main entrance, making the burrow an unmistakable feature in the landscape.
Groundhogs also create secondary escape holes, which are less visible and lack the large dirt pile. Observing a well-worn trail leading from a burrow directly to the damaged begonia bed can further confirm the identity of the garden pest. These trails are created as the groundhog repeatedly travels the same route between its shelter and its food source.
Effective Strategies for Protection
Protecting begonias requires the installation of physical exclusion barriers. Groundhogs are capable climbers and persistent diggers, so any fencing must address both of these behaviors. A fence at least three feet tall is necessary, and it should be constructed from sturdy material like heavy-gauge wire mesh.
The base of the fence requires modification to prevent tunneling underneath the barrier. The wire should be buried at least 12 inches deep and bent outward in an L-shape away from the garden. This outward-facing extension acts as a deterrent, as the groundhog will encounter the unexpected horizontal mesh when it attempts to dig.
Beyond physical barriers, strong-smelling deterrents can discourage groundhogs by overwhelming their sensitive sense of smell. Applying commercial repellents containing ingredients like castor oil or dried blood can make the area unappealing. Regularly sprinkling cayenne pepper or garlic powder around the begonia perimeter can also provide a temporary, natural repellent effect, though these need frequent reapplication, especially after rain.