Will Groundhogs Eat Basil

Groundhogs will eat basil if they get the chance.

These hungry garden visitors are not picky eaters at all.

If you’ve ever spotted a groundhog nibbling on your herbs, you already know they have a big appetite.

Groundhogs will eat basil because it’s tender, fragrant, and easy for them to munch on.

In this post, we’ll dig into whether groundhogs really eat basil, what attracts them to your garden, and how to keep your basil safe.

Let’s get right into it.

Why Groundhogs Will Eat Basil And Other Herbs

Groundhogs eat basil because they are opportunistic herbivores.

They feed on whatever green plants are easiest to reach.

Basil’s soft leaves are like a salad bar for these critters.

Here’s why they go for it so often:

1. Basil Is Soft and Easy to Chew

Groundhogs will eat basil because the leaves are delicate and don’t require much effort to bite through.

Unlike tough stems or woody shrubs, basil gives them a quick and satisfying meal.

A groundhog can strip an entire basil plant in just a few minutes.

So if you see chewed stems and missing leaves, a groundhog may be the culprit.

2. Basil Has a Strong Scent That Attracts Them

While some animals avoid strongly scented herbs, groundhogs don’t mind the aroma.

In fact, the smell of basil may actually draw them in.

Groundhogs eat basil whether it’s sweet basil, Thai basil, or even lemon basil.

The fragrance doesn’t repel them like it might with deer or rabbits.

So don’t assume that planting herbs will keep groundhogs away—they’ll happily eat basil.

3. Basil Grows Low to the Ground

Groundhogs are ground dwellers, so they prefer plants that are easy to access.

Basil sits close to the soil, making it a perfect target.

Groundhogs will eat basil without having to climb or stretch.

They simply waddle up, take a bite, and move on to the next plant.

4. Basil Provides Hydration

Basil has high water content, which is appealing to groundhogs.

On hot days, they’ll eat basil not just for food but for moisture too.

This is especially true if there’s no fresh water source nearby.

Groundhogs eat basil more frequently during dry spells when other water-rich plants are scarce.

5. Garden Basil Is Often Unprotected

If your basil is planted in an open bed without fencing, it’s an easy meal.

Groundhogs will eat basil that’s easy to get to without risk.

They tend to avoid areas where they feel exposed to predators.

So a basil plant near a fence line or under a bush is more likely to get eaten.

Once they discover your basil, they’ll come back again and again.

Other Plants Groundhogs Will Eat Alongside Basil

Groundhogs eat basil but they don’t stop there.

If you share a garden with these critters, you’ll notice they’re not picky.

They will happily munch on:

• Lettuce and other leafy greens
• Beans and peas
• Carrots and root vegetables
• Marigolds and other flowers
• Cucumbers and squash

Groundhogs eat basil as part of a varied diet that changes with the seasons.

Early spring brings fresh shoots and clover.

Summer brings your vegetables and herbs like basil.

And late summer has them feasting on fruits like tomatoes and berries.

So if you’re wondering whether groundhogs will eat basil and other garden favorites, the answer is a clear yes.

How To Keep Groundhogs From Eating Your Basil

Groundhogs eat basil quickly, so you need to protect your plants early.

Try these practical deterrents to save your herbs:

1. Install a Fence Around Your Basil Bed

The most reliable way to stop groundhogs from eating basil is to block them out.

A fence that’s at least 3 to 4 feet tall works well.

Bury the bottom edge about 12 inches into the soil.

Groundhogs are excellent diggers, so this extra depth really matters.

A simple chicken wire fence can save your basil all season long.

2. Use Strong Smells That Groundhogs Dislike

Even though groundhogs eat basil, they dislike other scents.

Try planting garlic, onion, or lavender near your basil.

You can also spray a mixture of hot pepper and water on the leaves.

This won’t harm your basil, and it tastes terrible to groundhogs.

Groundhogs will eat basil only if it doesn’t smell or taste unpleasant.

3. Remove Hiding Spots Near Your Garden

Groundhogs need cover to feel safe while feeding.

Clear away piles of wood, brush, or tall grass near your basil.

If they don’t have a hiding spot, they’ll feel too exposed to eat basil.

Groundhogs will eat basil when they have quick access to a burrow.

Keep your garden tidy to make it less inviting.

4. Use Motion-Activated Sprinklers

These sprinklers detect movement and spray water suddenly.

This startles groundhogs and teaches them to stay away.

Groundhogs eat basil at dawn and dusk, so set the sprinklers early.

It’s a humane way to protect your plants.

Plus, your basil gets watered at the same time.

5. Harvest Basil Regularly and Keep Plants Trimmed

Groundhogs eat basil that’s lush and full.

If you harvest often, your basil will be less bushy and less attractive.

Regular trimming also encourages new growth.

A smaller, well-maintained plant is harder for groundhogs to notice.

And remember to pick any fallen leaves off the ground.

That just makes an easier snack for them.

So, Will Groundhogs Eat Basil?

Groundhogs will eat basil, and they’ll do it without hesitation.

If you grow this herb in your garden, you’re basically rolling out a welcome mat for them.

Groundhogs will eat basil because it’s soft, fragrant, low-growing, and full of moisture.

The good news is you can protect your basil with fencing, repellents, and smart garden habits.

Groundhogs will eat basil only if you make it easy for them to get to it.

Follow the tips above, and you can enjoy fresh basil all summer long.

And if you do spot a groundhog in your garden, act fast.

Because groundhogs will eat basil and leave you with nothing but bare stems.