If you’ve noticed those pesky gopher mounds popping up in your garden, you’re probably wondering how to keep these little diggers away.
Well, here’s the good news some natural plant allies can help you protect your yard from these burrowing rodents.
Instead of relying on chemicals or traps, why not try a more natural solution? Below, we’ll chat about some of the best plants that can help you repel gophers and keep your garden in great shape. For more in-depth information about gophers, visit Gophers Explained: Fascinating Burrowing Rodents
1. Marigolds
Marigolds are famous for their bright orange and yellow blossoms, but did you know they also have a hidden talent for pest control? These cheerful flowers give off a scent that gophers absolutely hate.
Planting marigolds around the edges of your garden can help create a natural barrier against gophers. They’re easy to grow, make your yard look cheerful, and are generally pretty good at deterring unwanted guests.
2. Daffodils
Daffodils are not just beautiful signs of spring they also work wonders for repelling gophers. The bulbs and flowers contain toxic compounds that are unpleasant to many burrowing animals.
You can line your garden beds or even mix daffodils among other plants to help keep those gophers at bay. Plus, their lovely flowers will bring a touch of sunshine to your garden.
3. Castor Bean Plant
The castor bean plant is another natural gopher deterrent that is worth considering. The roots and seeds of this plant contain ricin, a naturally occurring compound that is very effective at discouraging gophers from tunneling nearby.
A word of caution castor bean plants are toxic to pets and humans, so if you have curious animals or children, be sure to plant them in a safe area.
4. Garlic and Onions
Garlic and onions are great multi-taskers in your garden. Not only do they add flavor to your meals, but they also produce a strong odor that gophers simply can’t stand. You can plant garlic and onions along the perimeter of your garden or scatter them throughout other beds to discourage gophers from getting comfortable. The pungent scent will naturally keep these critters from setting up residence.
5. Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis)
Crown Imperial plants have stunning bell-shaped flowers, but it’s their strong musky odor that makes them an effective gopher repellent. The smell is so off-putting to gophers that they tend to avoid areas where these plants grow. These perennials are perfect for mixing with other flowering plants, adding height and color while keeping the critters away.
6. Society Garlic
Despite the name, society garlic isn’t true garlic, but it has a similar odor that gophers dislike. Society garlic has pretty lavender-colored flowers that make it both functional and decorative in your garden. The pungent smell does an excellent job of keeping gophers away while also attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
7. Lavender
Lavender is an all-around winner for any garden. Not only does it have a delightful fragrance for humans, but it also serves as a natural pest deterrent, including for gophers. The scent of lavender is strong enough to discourage gophers from sticking around. Plus, you get the added benefit of those gorgeous purple flowers and the relaxing scent wafting through your yard.
8. Salvia
Salvia, also known as sage, is another herb that gophers tend to avoid. With its aromatic foliage and bright flowers, salvia makes for an attractive addition to your garden while naturally repelling gophers. This plant is easy to care for and can be planted in clusters to maximize its protective effects.
9. Rosemary
Rosemary isn’t just for the kitchen. It also works as a deterrent for gophers. Its woody stems and strong, aromatic leaves make it unappealing for these critters to dig through. You can plant rosemary as a hedge or among your vegetables to keep gophers at a distance. It’s low-maintenance and has the added bonus of providing fresh herbs for cooking.
10. Thyme
Thyme is yet another aromatic herb that can help protect your garden. The smell of thyme is something that gophers really dislike, and it can create a natural defense around your garden beds. It’s a ground-cover plant, so it spreads easily, giving you extra coverage in areas prone to gopher damage. Bonus: You’ll always have fresh thyme on hand for your cooking needs!
Tips for Using Plants to Keep Gophers Away
- Plant Strategically: Use these plants to line garden beds or areas that gophers tend to visit. Creating a natural barrier can make your garden a lot less attractive to gophers.
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to plant a combination of these flowers and herbs for a multi-layered approach. The more deterrents you use, the less likely gophers will want to stick around.
- Maintain Healthy Growth: Make sure these plants are well-watered and cared for. Healthy plants will give off stronger odors and provide better protection against gophers.
Final Thoughts
Keeping gophers out of your garden doesn’t have to mean using harsh chemicals or traps. By planting natural deterrents like marigolds, daffodils, and lavender, you can create a garden that looks beautiful and protects itself. These plants not only make your space more colorful but also make it a lot less appealing to gophers. So, why not give it a try and enjoy a gopher-free garden with these natural allies?
If you’ve had success with any of these plants or have other gopher-repelling tips, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
FAQs
What plants are effective at repelling gophers?
Marigolds, lavender, daffodils, and castor bean plants are effective at repelling gophers.
Can lavender keep gophers away?
Yes, lavender’s strong scent is disliked by gophers and helps keep them away.
Are castor bean plants safe to use for gopher control?
Castor bean plants are effective but toxic to pets and humans, so plant them cautiously.
How do marigolds repel gophers?
Marigolds produce a scent that gophers find unappealing, helping to keep them at bay.
What herbs can deter gophers?
Rosemary, thyme, garlic, and salvia are herbs known to deter gophers.
Can onions help in keeping gophers away?
Yes, onions have a strong smell that gophers dislike, making them effective repellents.
Is society garlic effective against gophers?
Yes, society garlic has a pungent odor that gophers find repellent.
Will daffodils harm gophers?
Daffodils contain toxic compounds that deter gophers without causing harm if they avoid them.
How can I use rosemary to repel gophers?
Plant rosemary around your garden as a natural barrier; its strong scent helps deter gophers.
Are there any risks in using plants to deter gophers?
Some plants like castor bean are toxic, so use caution if you have pets or children.
