Are there any plants that gophers won't eat? - The Institute for Environmental Research and Education

Are There Any Plants That Gophers Won’t Eat?

Yes, there are plants that gophers tend to avoid, though no plant is entirely gopher-proof. Choosing these less palatable options can significantly reduce gopher damage to your garden.

Gophers, those industrious burrowing rodents, can be the bane of any gardener’s existence. Their voracious appetites and destructive digging habits can quickly transform a flourishing garden into a wasteland. The question frequently asked is are there any plants that gophers won’t eat? Fortunately, the answer is not a complete “no.” While no plant is guaranteed to be completely gopher-proof, certain species are less appealing to these furry pests. Understanding what deters gophers and incorporating these plants into your landscaping can offer a measure of protection for your more vulnerable plants. This article will explore plants gophers tend to avoid and offer strategies for creating a gopher-resistant garden.

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Understanding Gopher Behavior and Preferences

To effectively deter gophers, it’s crucial to understand their behavior and feeding habits. Gophers are herbivores, primarily feeding on the roots, tubers, and stems of plants. They create extensive tunnel systems underground, allowing them to access a wide range of food sources. Their preference for specific plants varies depending on availability, nutritional value, and, seemingly, individual taste.

Gophers are most active during the spring and fall when the soil is moist and easy to dig.
They are attracted to plants with fleshy roots and tubers, such as carrots, potatoes, and tulips.
Water stress can drive gophers to consume plants they might normally avoid in search of moisture.

Plants Gophers Tend to Avoid

While gophers are opportunistic feeders, some plants are naturally less appealing to them due to their taste, texture, or toxicity. These plants can serve as natural barriers around more desirable plants, creating a less inviting environment for gophers.

Here’s a selection of plants known to deter gophers:

Ornamental Onions (Allium spp.): The strong scent of onions and garlic repels gophers.
Daffodils (Narcissus spp.): These contain toxic alkaloids that deter gophers.
Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis): Another plant with a strong odor that gophers avoid.
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica): While beautiful, the milky sap is not palatable to gophers.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.): The strong scent of lavender is also known to repel gophers and other pests.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus): Similarly to lavender, rosemary is another strongly scented herb that gophers dislike.
Rockrose (Cistus spp.): These drought-tolerant shrubs are typically left alone by gophers.
Oleander (Nerium oleander): Highly toxic and almost always avoided by gophers (however, be cautious due to its toxicity to humans and pets).

This list is not exhaustive, and local conditions and gopher populations can influence plant preferences. Observing what grows well in your area without gopher damage can provide valuable clues.

Creating a Gopher-Resistant Garden

Simply planting gopher-resistant plants isn’t always enough. A comprehensive approach is needed to protect your garden from these persistent pests.

Here are some strategies to create a gopher-resistant garden:

Use Gopher Baskets: Protect individual plants, especially those with vulnerable roots, by planting them in wire mesh baskets.
Line Raised Beds: For larger areas, line raised beds with hardware cloth to prevent gophers from tunneling upwards.
Create Barriers: Bury hardware cloth around the perimeter of your garden to create a physical barrier.
Companion Planting: Interplant gopher-resistant plants with more vulnerable species to deter gophers.
Maintain Healthy Soil: Healthy plants are better able to withstand gopher damage. Amend your soil with compost and other organic matter.
Consider Natural Predators: Encourage natural gopher predators, such as owls, hawks, and snakes, by providing suitable habitat.

Common Mistakes When Trying to Deter Gophers

Even with the best intentions, gardeners can make mistakes when trying to deter gophers. Understanding these common pitfalls can help you avoid them.

Relying Solely on One Method: Gophers are adaptable, so using a combination of strategies is more effective.
Ignoring Drainage: Poor drainage can create conditions that attract gophers, as they seek out moisture.
Using Ineffective Repellents: Many commercially available gopher repellents have limited effectiveness.
Not Properly Installing Barriers: Gophers are skilled diggers, so ensure that barriers are buried deep enough and are free of gaps.
Giving Up Too Soon: It takes time and persistence to effectively manage gopher populations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does it mean for a plant to be considered “gopher-resistant”?

A “gopher-resistant” plant is one that gophers generally avoid due to its taste, texture, or scent. This doesn’t guarantee that gophers will never eat it, especially if other food sources are scarce. It simply means it’s less likely to be targeted.

Are there any plants that are completely gopher-proof?

Unfortunately, no plant is truly gopher-proof. Desperate gophers will eat almost anything. The goal is to select plants that are least appealing to them and supplement with protective measures.

Will planting gopher-resistant plants guarantee that gophers will leave my garden alone?

No. Planting gopher-resistant plants reduces the likelihood of gopher damage, but it doesn’t eliminate it entirely. A comprehensive approach is necessary, including barriers and other deterrents.

How deep should I bury hardware cloth when creating a gopher barrier?

A gopher barrier should be buried at least 24 inches deep with an additional 6 inches bent outwards at a 90-degree angle to prevent gophers from digging under it.

Are there any natural predators that can help control gopher populations?

Yes, natural predators such as owls, hawks, snakes, and coyotes can help control gopher populations. Encourage these predators by providing suitable habitat, such as owl boxes and snake shelters.

Do gophers prefer certain types of soil?

Gophers prefer loose, well-drained soil that is easy to dig in. Amending heavy clay soils with organic matter can inadvertently make them more attractive to gophers.

Are there any specific scents that gophers dislike?

Yes, gophers are known to dislike the scent of garlic, onions, and mothballs. However, using mothballs as a repellent is generally discouraged due to their toxicity and potential environmental impact.

Will sonic gopher repellents actually work to deter gophers?

The effectiveness of sonic gopher repellents is debated. Some gardeners report success, while others find them ineffective. Their performance may depend on the specific device and soil conditions. More research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

Can I use gopher bait to get rid of gophers?

Gopher bait can be effective, but it should be used with caution, as it can be toxic to non-target animals, including pets and wildlife. Follow all label instructions carefully and consider using bait stations to prevent accidental ingestion by other animals.

What’s the best way to protect tree roots from gophers?

Protect tree roots by planting young trees in wire mesh baskets or by creating a barrier of hardware cloth around the root zone. Be sure to extend the barrier deep enough to prevent gophers from tunneling underneath.

If I plant a gopher-resistant plant and a gopher eats it, does that mean it’s not gopher-resistant?

Not necessarily. Gophers can be unpredictable. Even plants they usually avoid might be eaten if other food sources are scarce or if a particular gopher has a unique appetite. Observe what works in your specific area and adapt your strategy accordingly.

How often should I check my garden for signs of gopher activity?

Regularly check your garden for signs of gopher activity, such as fresh mounds of soil, disappearing plants, or wilted foliage. Early detection can help you take action before gophers cause significant damage. Are there any plants that gophers won’t eat? Regularly checking will inform you.