I've got a woodchuck hanging out on the side hill of my small suburban backyard in Massachusetts. I think this might be the reason my garden keeps getting destroyed year after year! However, I actually enjoy having him around. I'm looking for tips on how to peacefully coexist with him so that I can still enjoy my homegrown tomatoes without resorting to drastic measures against the woodchuck.
2 Answers
Groundhogs mainly munch on weeds and don’t usually climb, so they might leave your tomatoes alone if you’re careful. I built a simple 14" square cage to shield my tomato plants, and it works great! Also, for squirrels and chipmunks, I’ve started using fruit bags, which are awesome. You might want to give those a try if critters are raiding your garden too!
Woodchucks do have a knack for targeting certain flowers like dahlias and chrysanthemums, but on the bright side, they actually help improve your garden soil. I've found they tend to leave basil alone, so maybe you can grow some amazing pesto ingredients! Just keep an eye on fencing around your tomato plants; you might not need something super aggressive. It’s all about keeping a balance!
How much fencing do you think is needed for a single tomato plant?
Thanks for the tips!