garden destruction

Question: Could you possibly identify what is using my garden as a salad bowl?  It has a chickenwire fence and was planted in early June. The   plants were 3 to 4" high until 4 days ago. Day 1, An entire row of Swiss chard was eaten to soil level. Day 2, I noticed a few bean leaves missing, so I spread slug bait. Day 3, more bean leaves gone and cantalope and zinneas eaten to soil level. Day 4 is the photo of my beans. My tomatoes, potatoes and asparagas are untouched The damage does not look like rabbits or deer to me, but??? I see no entry over, under or through  the fence and no foot prints.  I would appreciate knowing what approach I should take.  I have been gardening for 40 years, and this is a first!

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 18, 2024, 2:33 PM EDT
response: We can't tell from the small photo what caused the damage, but typical culprits for mass damage like you're describing are deer, groundhogs, and possibly rabbits (though we doubt they'd have removed as much vegetation that quickly). Deer can clear up to an 8-foot fence by jumping, depending on how large of an area the fence encloses (they'd need a running start to jump back out). Groundhogs can climb to surprising heights (we've seen them 30-plus feet up a tree), so could get up and over just about any fence. We suspect deer hoof prints would be visible if they wandered into the area after watering or if any of the soil was soft (mulch may obscure prints, though), but groundhog footprints might be less prominent.  Some gardeners have success keeping animals out by enclosing the entire vegetable bed in a cage of sorts, including a roof. (Sample photo attached.)  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 18, 2024, 6:19 PM EDT
response: Thanks.  There are no hoof prints, so I doubt deer.  Rabbits would chew stalks as well and leave bits of green, so it must be groundhog that climbed over the fence.  I don’t have a trap, but can you suggest any deterrent?  Or should I just give up? I really appreciate your column in the Sun.  Great answers. Just wish there was one for me!

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 19, 2024, 11:19 AM EDT
response: We're not aware of a reliable deterrent technique, but you could inquire with the Department of Natural Resources (who, if you need to trap, will have to issue a permit for it). An email can be sent to <personal data hidden> (especially if you wanted to share photos) or, if you would like to speak to someone, they have a Wildlife and Heritage Service phone number at<personal data hidden>. The phone line is staffed during regular business hours, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, except state holidays and weekends. There are general animal repellent sprays available (they tend to cover deer, rabbits, and more), but you'd have to see if a given product was labeled for use on/around edible plants, plus it would need reapplication regularly.  Miri