Can I put the broccoli and lettuce I have left under a row cover, or will it get too hot?

Is there some kind of easy electrical fence I can just hook up to the galvanized wire, or does it not work that way?

I'm pretty sure it's a groundhog. That doesn't look like a rabbit print, and we have a major groundhog problem in the area, and there is one living under my shed. They keep going straight for the brassicas. They are unafraid of my dog.

You'd be surprised at how insulating fur can be. Also when shocked, an animal won't automatically back off; it may try to escape forward not having any better idea of what's happening. The best remedy for groundhogs is a 22 rifle or a Havahart trap.

The best electric fence I had (100% efficient) was at the top of a chain link fence which had also horizontal underground fencing. The groundhog burrow was 8 feet from the fence, but every time he tried to climb it it got zapped. I assume the circuit was closed by his nose on the wire and his paws on the fence (which was grounded and conductive). That eliminates any fur effect, but the fence needs to be metal (my current fence is plastic coated). I could see that groundhog on occasion on top of the fence separating my property and my neighbor, eating grape leaves. He could climb that fence, but not my garden fence.

For electric fences near the ground, it is always advisable to
1) have a ground wire running under the fence (unneeded if you have chicken wire horizontal fencing). Dry clay insulates well
2) bait the wire with peanut butter occasionally, to minimize fur effects.
3) have a good ground rod.

I had groundhog problems last year. They ate my tomatoes etc almost flush to the ground. I secured my 5 feet wire fence by adding 1/2x1/2 inch hardware cloth 24 inch high. I bought 100 feet one by ordering from local Hardware store. I just bought another one recently from Amazon to secure around my shed and chicken coop. Anyway, I bent it outward about 8 inch on the ground and 16 attached to existing fence.

And I secured the one on the ground using 8 inch nails that I bought at Home Depot/Lowe's for 45cent each. I hammered it down every 5-6 feet. You can attach the top of hardware cloth to the existing fence using 4 inches zip ties or any ties you have.

No groundhog problem so far. We finished last season beautifully. Oh I also bought Havahard Trap ($50) from Amazon but groundhogs are too smart. 2 years ago we got 1 or 2? but then nothing nothing nothing!! We bought poison peanuts. I don't think it worked either.

100 feet hardware cloth costs about $70. It's much stronger than chicken wire and groundhog doesn't like digging against the sharp objects on his nose.

I'm pretty sure he climbed over the fence, unless he can fit through a 2 1/2" gap.

juvenile ones can fit through it. If that is the case, the problem will solve itself. But they do climb. Are you considering overhanging netting? That is said to stop them.

Overhanging netting? Not sure what is meant exactly. The garden is too big to completely enclose...

I was going to add 12-24" of outward turned chicken wire/wire mesh/hardware cloth to the bottom and bury with mulch, and a loose 24" of chicken wire to the top to foil climbers.

floppy netting that extends out from the top of the fence. Useful for deer (who hit the netting when jumping) but also for groundhogs, who are not exactly monkeys and can not climb upside down.

Yes that is what I am going to do.

He came back and finished off the job. All of my broccoli and cabbage, big beautiful plants just starting a head, the head was ripped off, a couple half leaves left, the plants were completely ruined. I had nursed those plants since early March. Not a happy gardener at all today. Times like this make me not want to keep doing this. Its not like it saves any money... not where I live... amendments, seeds, plants, potting mix, mulch, I spent a lot of money on that broccoli. Nor do you get better produce than what is available in the stores here. I do it just for fun. I don't think I want to keep growing things that are so easily destroyed anymore. Now I understand why everyone grows mostly tomatoes... though all that takes is a poorly timed blight to take out an entire garden.

I saw the dig hole, he dug a small 2" gap under the fence and he was in, no problem.

Yes, they do squeeze under. and total destruction is more commonly associated with groundhogs. No one said it was easy. Any gardener worth his salt will tell you that to garden you need absolutely three things: sun, water, and a strong fence.

I am going to robust up the fence some this weekend. Hopefully it isn't too late. I know he'd eat my tomatoes and peas no problem. I can't do it all the way around though without pulling up good stuff. Hopefully he won't try to come around the front.

The groundhog was undeterred, it climbed a 6 foot high fence. I am a very frustrated gardener this year.

The best way to get rid of Woodchucks is a bullet but we all can't shoot with houses so close together. 2nd best way is using a #160 or #220 Conibear trap placed at the woodchuck's hole. Kills them instantly. I've caught 2 so far and I'm waiting for #3 now.

My dog got one of the babies yesterday. I poured used kitty litter in his holes and took a leak at his usual entrance. Maybe he will decide to move on.