[Arid_gardener] Gophers

[Sue Bass]

We have a publication called "The Pocket Gopher in Arizona", publication #Q403.  You can find it at most library branches.  It is in binder 635 General Reference and the title of the binder is Horticulture Publications.  You can also order it from the Cooperative Extension.
To view information on ordering publications, go to: http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/pubs/pubs.htm
According to this publication, gophers prefer tubers, bulbs, and the roots of weeds and shrubs.  There is no mention of marigolds deterring them.  The publication does state that the "gopher plant" (Euphorbia lathyris) is suspected of being toxic to gophers.  It further
states that it grows in Sonoita, Santa Cruz County, (where it was introduced to repel rodents in an orchard), and in the Tucson area of Pima County.  It is not a proven method of control, however.

If you are having a problem with gophers on your property, you might try a method that has been successful for a fellow Master Gardener.  He uses highway flares.  You can view his response to a question on how to control gophers at:
http://ag.arizona.edu/hypermail/arid_gardener/4117.html

You can also view other gopher remedies in our archives by typing "Gophers" in the subject line.

Sue Bass
Master Gardener

http://ag.arizona.edu/pipermail/arid_gardener/2000-February/003181.html

Bdavis1699@aol.com wrote:

> Do gophers eat rosebushes.  I just bought three rosebushes and I dont know if the gophers will eat them or what I can do to prevent it.  We have a lot of gophers where I live and I dont want to plant them in the ground if they will eat them.  Do marigolds help with this?
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