Daffodils do not face threats from rodents and deer, making them a safe and reliable choice for gardens. However, other bulbs like Tulips and Gladioli are vulnerable to certain pests. Gardeners need to know which pests to watch out for to protect their plants.

Here are the main culprits in the garden:

Vole

Voles are small, mouse-like rodents that can cause significant damage. They often travel through existing gopher tunnels, making it easier for them to reach your plants. Voles can also dig their own tunnels, which can create more issues. They enjoy munching on bulbs and can quickly ruin a flower bed if left unchecked.

Pocket Gopher

Pocket gophers are notorious for eating roots and bulbs. They can cause severe damage by devouring entire plants underground. However, they tend to avoid Daffodils and Peonies, making these plants a good option for gopher-prone areas. Other bulbs, like Tulips and Gladioli, are not so lucky and may become easy targets for these burrowing pests.

Mole

Moles are primarily after insects and grubs, but they can also damage plant roots and bulbs while digging their tunnels. Like gophers, moles leave Daffodils and Peonies alone, but other bulbs may be disturbed by their constant digging. Even though they don’t typically eat bulbs, the disruption they cause can be harmful to plants.

A helpful strategy to protect vulnerable bulbs is to use buried plastic crates. These crates have holes small enough to keep rodents out but large enough for roots to grow through. You can bury the crate just below the surface, leaving the rim exposed. Then, fill the crate with soil and plant your bulbs at the proper depth and spacing. This method creates a physical barrier that keeps pests like gophers and voles from reaching your bulbs. I receive many of my Daffodils in these crates, and they tend to pile up over time. If you live nearby, feel free to stop by and pick some up!

In the image above, you can see how the bulbs are stored. Though they are not yet planted, this gives you an idea of how the crate system works. Using these crates is a simple, effective way to protect your garden from pesky rodents. Gophers, moles, and voles will lose interest in your bulbs when they can’t reach them! By using these crates, you can safeguard your Tulips, Gladioli, and other vulnerable bulbs, ensuring a beautiful, thriving garden.