Will Squirrels Eat Asparagus

Squirrels will eat asparagus, and if you’ve got a garden full of tender spears, that’s news you probably didn’t want to hear.
 
These bushy-tailed foragers are opportunistic eaters, and asparagus happens to be one of the many garden vegetables they’ll happily nibble on when the opportunity presents itself.
 
So if you’ve been wondering whether squirrels eat asparagus, the short answer is yes, they absolutely do.
 
In this post, we’ll dig into why squirrels eat asparagus, how much damage they can actually do, and what you can do to protect your crop.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why Squirrels Eat Asparagus

Squirrels eat asparagus for a few very good reasons, and understanding them is the first step toward protecting your patch.
 

1. Asparagus Is Tender and Nutritious

Asparagus spears are soft, juicy, and packed with vitamins and minerals, which makes them an easy and appealing snack for squirrels.
 
Unlike tough, fibrous plants that require a lot of chewing, asparagus is simple for squirrels to bite through and digest.
 
That tender texture is exactly what makes young spears so vulnerable.
 

2. Squirrels Are Opportunistic Feeders

Squirrels don’t follow a strict menu, they eat whatever is available and easy to reach.
 
That’s why squirrels eat asparagus when it’s growing right in your garden, especially in spring when other food sources are still scarce.
 
If it’s green, fresh, and within climbing distance, it’s fair game to a hungry squirrel.
 

3. Early Spring Food Shortages

Asparagus emerges in early spring, a time when nuts and seeds from the previous season are running low.
 
So squirrels turn to whatever fresh greens they can find, and asparagus tips are often the first tender shoots to pop up.
 
That timing is why squirrels eat asparagus so aggressively in spring gardens.
 

4. They’re Attracted to the Moisture

Asparagus stalks hold a lot of water, and squirrels need hydration just like any other animal.
 
When water is harder to find, juicy vegetables like asparagus become a handy source of moisture.
 
That’s another reason squirrels eat asparagus instead of passing it by.
 

How Much Damage Can Squirrels Do to Asparagus

The damage squirrels cause to asparagus can range from minor nibbling to a completely ruined harvest.
 

1. They Target the Tender Tips First

Squirrels usually go straight for the tips of the spears, which happen to be the most tender and valuable part of the plant.
 
Once the tip is eaten, that spear is done for the season and won’t grow back the same way.
 
A few bites can ruin an entire stalk you’ve been waiting weeks to harvest.
 

2. They Can Wipe Out a Whole Bed

A single squirrel can nibble across an entire asparagus bed in a matter of days.
 
And because squirrels eat asparagus in repeated visits, the damage adds up fast before you even notice.
 
By the time you spot the problem, most of your spears may already be gone.
 

3. They Sometimes Dig Up Crowns

Beyond eating the spears, squirrels may dig around the base of the plants looking for buried food or soft soil.
 
That digging can disturb the crowns, which are the perennial roots asparagus depends on year after year.
 
So the harm isn’t always just to this season’s crop, it can affect future harvests too.
 

How to Keep Squirrels Away From Asparagus

If squirrels eat asparagus in your garden, there are several practical ways to stop them.
 

1. Use Physical Barriers

Row covers, netting, or wire cloches placed over your asparagus bed can block squirrels from reaching the spears.
 
Just make sure the barrier is anchored down, since squirrels are surprisingly good at pushing through loose edges.
 

2. Try Scent Repellents

Predator urine, garlic sprays, and commercial repellents can make asparagus less appealing to squirrels.
 
You’ll need to reapply after rain, but these deterrents can reduce how often squirrels eat asparagus in your patch.
 

3. Offer an Easier Food Source

Sometimes the simplest fix is giving squirrels something else to eat, like a feeder stocked with nuts or seeds placed far from your garden.
 
If there’s an easier meal nearby, squirrels often leave the asparagus alone.
 

4. Harvest Early and Often

Picking your spears as soon as they’re ready leaves less time for squirrels to find and eat them.
 
Frequent harvesting also keeps the spears shorter, which gives squirrels less tender material to work with.
 

So, Will Squirrels Eat Asparagus?

Squirrels will eat asparagus, and they’re especially fond of the tender spears that emerge in early spring.
 
They’re opportunistic feeders, so when fresh greens are scarce, asparagus becomes an easy target.
 
The damage can be mild or devastating, depending on how many squirrels you’re dealing with.
 
But with barriers, repellents, and a little extra food elsewhere, you can keep squirrels away and protect your harvest.
 
So yes, squirrels eat asparagus, but you don’t have to let them win.