I've had several thousand dollar's worth of various plantings killed by these rodents. I now only plant when it's cool outside and the ground is damp. I noticed years ago that ground voles were attracted to the plants I was spot watering, especially during very dry periods. Ground voles are definitely attracted to water when the ground is very dry. I find if I plant in the fall or winter, when I don't have to water because the ground is already damp, voles don't seem to notice them. There are some plants I've found voles find irresistible - hostas and rhododendrons immediately spring to mind - that I plant in containers with the bottoms cut out. I've found it to be very effective at vole proofing my new plantings. Minimal mulching and keeping the grass cut short definitely helps.
I've had several thousand dollar's worth of various plantings killed by these rodents. I now only plant when it's cool outside and the ground is damp. I noticed years ago that ground voles were attracted to the plants I was spot watering, especially during very dry periods. Ground voles are definitely attracted to water when the ground is very dry. I find if I plant in the fall or winter, when I don't have to water because the ground is already damp, voles don't seem to notice them. There are some plants I've found voles find irresistible - hostas and rhododendrons immediately spring to mind - that I plant in containers with the bottoms cut out. I've found it to be very effective at vole proofing my new plantings. Minimal mulching and keeping the grass cut short definitely helps.