Could you have tried wicking beds? They might discourage the burrowing? I'm also limited in poisoning because the neighbour has a dog. Rats live in our compost

Could you have tried wicking beds? They might discourage the burrowing? I'm also limited in poisoning because the neighbour has a dog. Rats live in our compost bin and are tough to keep out. Possums here in South Australia are protected so we can't trap them and they cause trouble as well. Lost all my garlic and chives this year to black aphids. Virtually no stone fruit lasted until picking last year. Too hot through summer or not enough bees for zucchinis to set fruit. The things that did well are mostly herbs/chillis/etc that aren't exactly the bulk you live off! Sometimes I wonder if the best home approach is growing herbs so you don't get stuck paying a premium at the shop, and maybe 1-2 other things for the experience and to share with family/friends.