Plants That Repel Gophers: Keep Your Garden Safe and Beautiful

Plants That Repel Gophers

Gophers are a common problem in gardens, and they can cause significant damage to your plants. Fortunately, there are several plants that repel gophers and keep them away from your garden. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most effective plants that you can use to keep gophers at bay.

If you're an avid gardener, then you know how frustrating it can be to wake up one day and find that your beautiful garden has been destroyed by gophers. These pesky rodents can wreak havoc on your plants, eating the roots and causing them to die. The good news is that there are several plants that repel gophers, and you can use them to protect your garden.

15 Plants That Repel Gophers

Mint

Mint is one of the best plants that repel gophers. Not only does it have a strong smell that gophers dislike, but it also spreads quickly and can take over an area, making it difficult for gophers to tunnel through. You can plant mint in containers or directly in the ground, and it will help to keep gophers at bay.

How to Plant Mint

To plant mint, choose a spot with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Mint prefers slightly acidic soil, so if your soil is alkaline, you may need to amend it with some compost or peat moss. You can mint from seeds, but it's easier to buy young plants from a nursery. Plant the mint about 18 inches apart, and water it well. Mint is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once it's established.

Garlic

Garlic is another plant that gophers dislike. The strong smell of garlic can help to keep them away from your garden. You can plant garlic bulbs in the ground or in containers, and they will help to repel gophers.

How to Plant Garlic

To plant garlic, choose a spot with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Garlic prefers soil that is slightly acidic, so you may need to amend your soil if it's too alkaline. Plant the garlic bulbs about 6 inches apart and 2 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up. Water the garlic well, and cover it with a layer of mulch. Garlic is a low-maintenance plant that requires very little care once it's established.

Alliums

Alliums, such as onions, shallots, and chives, are also great plants that repel gophers. They have a strong smell that gophers don't like, and they can be planted in containers or directly in the ground.

How to Plant Alliums

To plant alliums, choose a spot with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Alliums prefer soil that is slightly acidic, so you may need to amend your soil if it's too alkaline. Plant the bulbs about 6 inches apart and 2 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up. Water the alliums well, and cover them with a layer of mulch. Alliums are low-maintenance plants that require very little care once they're established.

Daffodils

Daffodils are beautiful flowers that also happen to repel gophers. The bulbs contain a toxic compound that gophers don't like, and they will avoid digging near daffodil plants.

How to Plant Daffodils

To plant daffodils, choose a spot with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Daffodils prefer slightly acidic soil, so you may need to amend your soil if it's too alkaline. Plant the bulbs about 6 inches apart and 6 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up. Water the daffodils well, and cover them with a layer of mulch. Daffodils are low-maintenance plants that require very little care once they're established.

Fritillarias

Fritillarias are another type of bulb that can help to repel gophers. They have a strong odor that gophers don't like, and they can be planted in containers or directly in the ground.

How to Plant Fritillarias

To plant fritillarias, choose a spot with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Fritillarias prefer soil that is slightly acidic, so you may need to amend your soil if it's too alkaline. Plant the bulbs about 6 inches apart and 6 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up. Water the fritillarias well, and cover them with a layer of mulch. Fritillarias are low-maintenance plants that require very little care once they're established.

Narcissus

Narcissus, also known as daffodils, are another plant that can help to repel gophers. They have a toxin in their bulbs that gophers don't like, and they will avoid digging near narcissus plants.

How to Plant Narcissus

To plant narcissus, choose a spot with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Narcissus prefer slightly acidic soil, so you may need to amend your soil if it's too alkaline. Plant the bulbs about 6 inches apart and 6 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up. Water the narcissus well, and cover them with a layer of mulch. Narcissus are low-maintenance plants that require very little care once they're established.

Castor Bean Plants

Castor bean plants are another great option for repelling gophers. These plants contain a toxin called ricin, which is poisonous to gophers. However, it's important to note that castor bean plants are also toxic to humans and pets, so they should be planted with caution.

How to Plant Castor Bean Plants

To plant castor bean plants, choose a spot with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Castor bean plants prefer slightly acidic soil, so you may need to amend your soil if it's too alkaline. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep, and water the soil well. Castor bean plants require regular watering, and they should be fertilized every few weeks during the growing season.

Lavender

Lavender is another plant that can help to repel gophers. It has a strong scent that gophers don't like, and it's also a beautiful addition to any garden.

How to Plant Lavender

To plant lavender, choose a spot with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Lavender prefers soil that is slightly alkaline, so you may need to amend your soil if it's too acidic. Plant the lavender about 18 inches apart, and water it well. Lavender is a low-maintenance plant that requires very little care once it's established.

Marigolds

Marigolds are another option for repelling gophers. They have a strong smell that gophers don't like, and they can be planted in containers or directly in the ground.

How to Plant Marigolds

To plant marigolds, choose a spot with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Marigolds prefer slightly acidic soil, so you may need to amend your soil if it's too alkaline. Plant the marigolds about 6 inches apart, and water them well. Marigolds are low-maintenance plants that require very little care once they're established.

Geraniums

Geraniums are another type of flower that can help to repel gophers. They have a strong scent that gophers don't like, and they can be planted in containers or directly in the ground.

How to Plant Geraniums

To plant geraniums, choose a spot with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Geraniums prefer slightly acidic soil, so you may need to amend your soil if it's too alkaline. Plant the geraniums about 12 inches apart, and water them well. Geraniums are low-maintenance plants that require very little care once they're established.

Rosemary

Rosemary is another herb that can help to repel gophers. It has a strong scent that gophers don't like, and it's also a delicious addition to any kitchen.

How to Plant Rosemary

To plant rosemary, choose a spot with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Rosemary prefers soil that is slightly alkaline, so you may need to amend your soil if it's too acidic. Plant the rosemary about 18 inches apart, and water it well. Rosemary is a low-maintenance plant that requires very little care once it's established.

Salvia

Salvia is another plant that can help to repel gophers. It has a strong scent that gophers don't like, and it's also a beautiful addition to any garden.

How to Plant Salvia

To plant salvia, choose a spot with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Salvia prefers soil that is slightly alkaline, so you may need to amend your soil if it's too acidic. Plant the salvia about 12 inches apart, and water it well. Salvia is a low-maintenance plant that requires very little care once it's established.

Dandelions

Dandelions are often considered a weed, but they can actually be useful for repelling gophers. They have a deep taproot that can help to break up the soil and make it less hospitable for gophers.

How to Plant Dandelions

Dandelions will often appear on their own in your garden, but if you want to plant them intentionally, you can do so by scattering the seeds in the area where you want them to grow. Dandelions require very little care once they're established.

FAQs about Plants That Repel Gophers

1. Are all of these plants safe for pets?

Most of the plants listed here are safe for pets, but there are a few exceptions. Castor bean plants are toxic to humans and pets, and daffodils and fritillarias can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Always do your research before planting any new plants in your garden.

2. Do these plants repel other pests besides gophers?

Yes, many of these plants have properties that can help to repel other pests, such as rabbits and deer.

3. Will these plants completely eliminate gophers from my garden?

No, these plants will not completely eliminate gophers from your garden, but they can help to deter them and make your garden less attractive to them.

4. How often do I need to water these plants?

Most of the plants listed here are low-maintenance and require very little watering once they're established. However, it's always a good idea to water your plants regularly during dry spells.

5. Can I plant multiple types of these plants together?

Yes, you can mix and match these plants to create a beautiful and effective garden. Just be sure to give each plant enough space to grow and thrive.

Gophers can be a real problem in gardens, but there are several plants that can help to repel them and keep your garden safe and beautiful. Mint, garlic, alliums, daffodils, fritillarias, narcissus, castor bean plants, lavender, marigolds, geraniums, rosemary, salvia, and even dandelions can all be effective at keeping gophers at bay. By incorporating some or all of these plants into your garden, you can enjoy a pest-free and thriving outdoor space.