Test Garden Tip: Protect Bulbs & Shoots from Gophers

Gophers tunnel underground to devour tender bulbs and shoots. Here are three effective barrier methods to safeguard your garden's most promising nuggets.

1. Wire Baskets

Place a wire basket in the planting hole, add a soil layer, set bulbs, then cover bulbs and basket with soil.

2. Hanging Basket Liners

Use a regular wire hanging basket or a chicken-wire pouch (sold at nurseries for lining planting holes).

3. Hardware Cloth in Raised Beds

Line the bottom of raised beds with hardware cloth; bend edges up inside the frame to create a complete underground barrier.