Many people picture a cute furry groundhog with a hat and a holiday all to himself but backyard gardeners know the damage that Groundhog or “wood chuck” can do.

From Millan.Net

If your not familiar with these garden hazards, they are a tunnel-digging rodent common throughout eastern North America. Also known as woodchucks, they can wreak havoc on your backyard garden in no time. I have seen a groundhog destroy a row of beans in less than an hour and ruin a patch of melons overnight. And their homes leave a mess in yard pastures and even under homes.

Groundhogs can produce tunnels forty-five feet in length that are buried up to five feet underground. And if they decide to tunnel under your home or an outbuilding they can damage the foundation.

It is best to deal with groundhogs before they decide to vacation in your backyard paradise. Prevention is the key and here are a few tips to keep your backyard groundhog free.

Protect your gardens

When you plant a vegetable garden it’s like rolling out a red carpet to an all you can eat vegetable bar. The groundhogs will be waiting in line unless you plan ahead. Raised beds, container gardens, patio gardens or a garden fence will discourage these hungry rodents.

Some people use cages to catch groundhogs or dogs to scare them away. I have also used shiny objects, wind chimes and a radio to scare groundhogs away from the backyard garden area.

Maintain your property

Groundhogs are attracted to the edges of woodlands and next to open areas. Old pastures, empty lots and overgrown areas will quickly become their home. They also love to burrow under rocks, tree stumps or by shrubs or bushes. They are making a home in a protected area

Know your property.

Is the edge of your woods overgrown with brush? Do you have firewood or other objects piled in the yard? If so, you are creating a perfect home for a groundhog. Clear away any brush, wood and debris. Keep the grass cut short around your home and outbuildings. Or remove the grass in this area and put down mulch.

When you find a groundhog hole, fill it and make sure the area is cleared. You may want to walk a dog around the area to discourage it from staying. I have also poured cat litter down the holes, and then filled them in.

Groundhogs are stubborn when they decide to move in, so the best policy to keep them out. And Happy Groundhogs day!

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photo credit: therapycatguardian

Vertical growing takes less space, is easier to maintain and it uses less water. I have also found I have less insect problems and plant disease.

These you tube videos will give you an idea of what you can grow using vertical growing methods.

For heavier crops I use pantyhose to tie the plant to the vertical supports. I feel it easier on the plant to have a soft tie. And if the fruit I am growing is heavy I make a pantyhose sling for the fruit to keep it safely on the plant and vine. Watermelon and gourds are crops I make a sling for.

When you tie a vine to the trellis be gentle with the vine, they can break.

One other thing I like about vertical gardening is that it is pretty. The vines and leaves have a lush feeling and will add depth to your living area. They can also add privacy. And if you add vining flowers to your vegetables you have planted you add more color.

Scarlet runner beans are edible and have a beautiful flower. They are one of my favorite flowering vines. Hyacinth beans vines and vining nasturtiums are also found in my gardens. And nasturtiums are also an edible flower.

Hanging baskets and small garden art will add to your vertical gardens and create an inviting multi-layered look to your garden and garden oasis area.

Vertical gardens add to your garden space and create a unique look. They make the most out of small space garden areas and are great for small backyard design, patios and balcony gardens.

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