I'm trying to decide whether to welcome hedgehogs into my vegetable garden or to block them out entirely. This is our first time growing a veggie garden, and I want to grow plants like leafy greens, cucumbers, and zucchini that hedgehogs might enjoy. However, I've heard they can damage gardens; my neighbors have experienced this first-hand. On the other hand, I've read that hedgehogs help control pests like slugs, which can be a big issue in gardens. I'm leaning towards a more friendly approach, perhaps leaving food out for them, but I'm worried about how to protect my garden at the same time. Any advice would be appreciated!
4 Answers
I'd say let them be! They bring a lot of joy, and they usually don’t eat veggies anyway. I've had hedgehogs in my garden for years, and they’ve never touched my plants. I leave out some cat food and fresh water for them, and it’s a delight to see them around!
Honestly, I think you should turn your garden into a hedgehog-friendly zone! They need our help, especially since they're considered near-threatened. You can definitely grow extra veggies if you're worried about them nibbling on your plants, but hedgehogs primarily eat insects and not veggies. You might be surprised how little they actually touch your plants!
Hedgehogs mostly don’t eat plants like greens, so you might not have to worry about them ruining your garden. They’re great for controlling pests like slugs, which are notorious for eating vegetables. Embracing them could actually benefit your garden by keeping the slug population down!
If you really want to attract hedgehogs, consider planting a few 'sacrificial' plants away from your main garden. That way, they can munch on those instead of your veggies. Plus, planting more than you actually need can help you ensure there’s enough for both you and the hedgehogs. They make a great addition to the garden ecosystem!
Thanks for sharing! I didn't know they were near-threatened. I appreciate your suggestion about growing extra, but I have limited space, so it’s a bit tricky.