Before you plant your vegetable garden this year, it’s time to think about protecting your vegetables from animals that would eat them before they have a chance to grow.

The most effective method is a physical barrier.

First, identify your “enemy.”  Are they burrowing, climbers, big or small? 

For burrowing animals such as woodchucks (ground hogs) , rabbits or chipmunks, bury your fence bottom or other barrier underground at least a foot.  For woodchucks, you may need to go deeper – about 3 feet or maybe more.  Woodchucks and chipmunks also climb so keep that in mind.  I’ve personally seen a woodchuck that climbed a tree and was sitting on the roof of a 12’ garden shed.

Climbers include raccoons,  squirrels and chipmunks.  Nothing will stop these guys except having a wire, chew-proof top on your garden.  The squirrels and chipmunks are small and can fit through very small gaps.  The garden top will also keep out birds that love fresh produce.

Large animals such as deer or bears can often reach over or jump over a lower fence or simply knock it down.  (Note that bears can’t jump.)  Deer can jump at least 6’ from a standing start.  For these you would need either a sturdier tall fence or something with an electrified wire.  If you’re thinking about using an electric fence, please check your town laws to be sure they’re legal and that children and pets can’t come near them.

There are services such as NJ Deer Control that offer a service to keep the deer and other animals out.

One of the most effective fences is made of hardware cloth on a very sturdy frame.  Hardware cloth is something of a misnomer.  It is actually a wire mesh with quarter-inch holes that are small enough to keep out just about anything.

Whatever you plan, do your homework and good luck!