How Do I Prepare My Garden to Keep Out Moles & Voles?

Overview

Moles and voles can create extensive tunnel systems in your garden soil, damaging the roots of your vegetables and other garden plants. Although moles won't usually eat your plants or plant roots, voles are more likely to feed on your garden plants, particularly your tulip bulbs. You can prepare your garden to keep out moles and voles by making an underground and above-ground border around your garden bed using hardware cloth.

Step 1

Dig a trench around the perimeter of your garden bed using a flat shovel. Make the trench about 9 inches deep and 9 inches wide.

Step 2

Slide the hardware cloth into the trench so that it lines the entire perimeter of your garden with no gaps. Lay half of the hardware cloth along the bottom of the trench, extending outward from your garden perimeter.

Step 3

Curve the other half of the hardware cloth up so it lines the trench vertically and extends about 3 inches above the ground.

Step 4

Refill the trench with the displaced soil. Use your feet to pack down the soil and secure the hardware cloth in the trench.