The groundhog, also known as the woodchuck, is a common sight across North America and a persistent challenge for gardeners. This large rodent is well-known for its extensive burrowing and its appetite for cultivated plants. Many growers wonder if their harvest of large gourds, such as pumpkins and squash, is safe from this industrious herbivore.
Groundhogs and the Great Pumpkin Question
Groundhogs readily eat pumpkins, squash, and other gourds, posing a significant threat to a ripening patch. They are attracted to the soft, succulent flesh and high moisture content found in the fruit of the Cucurbita family, especially as it ripens. The pumpkin’s sweet pulp and seeds provide a dense caloric reward, which is appealing as groundhogs build up fat reserves for hibernation.
Damage from a groundhog typically appears as distinct, deeply gouged holes in the fruit, often leading to the pumpkin being hollowed out quickly. They consume the fruit flesh, seeds, rind, and even the vines and leaves of the developing plant. The groundhog’s strong teeth leave behind clear bite marks, differentiating their damage from the smaller feeding of other garden pests.
A Groundhog’s Typical Menu
The groundhog is a generalist herbivore, consuming large quantities of plant matter daily. An adult groundhog can eat over a pound of vegetation, seeking out tender and juicy plants. Their natural menu includes various wild plants such as clover, alfalfa, dandelion, and wild grasses, which provide necessary moisture and nutrients.
When they encounter a garden, their opportunistic nature leads them to prefer cultivated crops that are soft and easy to consume. Favorite garden plants include beans, peas, corn, lettuce, and broccoli. Since groundhogs rarely drink standing water, they obtain most of their hydration from the plants they eat, making moisture-rich items, like pumpkins, highly desirable targets.
Strategies for Protecting Your Garden
The most effective method for protecting pumpkins and other garden vegetables from groundhogs is exclusion. Building a physical barrier, such as a sturdy wire mesh fence, is the first line of defense against these persistent pests. Since groundhogs are skilled at both climbing and burrowing, the fence must address both behaviors to be successful.
A fence should be at least three feet tall to deter climbing and topped with a section angled outward at 45 degrees for added security. The bottom of the fence must be buried at least 10 to 12 inches deep into the soil to prevent tunneling underneath. This buried section should be bent outward in an “L” shape to discourage digging near the base.
For deterrence, homeowners can employ taste and scent repellents to make the pumpkins unappealing. Applying a mixture containing cayenne pepper or hot sauce directly to the gourds discourages feeding due to the intense flavor and smell. Other strong scents, like garlic paste or commercial animal repellents, can be placed near the pumpkins to overwhelm the groundhog’s sensitive nose. These treatments will require reapplication, especially after rain or heavy dew.
Habitat modification around the garden area can also reduce the likelihood of a groundhog taking up residence nearby. Clearing away dense brush piles, woodpiles, and overgrown weeds eliminates secure cover where they feel protected while foraging. Removing fallen fruit and keeping the garden clean of debris prevents the groundhog from being drawn to the area in search of an easy meal.