Sorry to hear about your crop getting wiped out, that really sucks.
The ground hog population is out of control here, I'll bet there are at least 20-30 living in my back yard right now.

Indoor cultivation certainly avoids disasters like this, but it definitely comes with many challenges. There's so much to it, but I enjoy all of the variables. It keeps me learning.

Some plants are very forgiving in the artificial environment, others (such as succulents) are quite difficult to maintain like this. (At least with my knowledge base and equipment.)

Thank you for the good luck wishes, the little one is enjoying the process, so it's a win no matter what happens :)