It depends on what you want to cover them with. Covering with sheets at night might deter them for a while. Covering with plastic mesh might work until they chew through it, Using
chicken wire would work if you fashion it above the plants.
The easiest sure way is to keep them out with a 2 to 3 ft
fence.
You could also try planting with plants with smells they don't like. French Marigolds are a gardeners favorite though something ate mine. I still plant them thinking they will eat the Marigold rather than the veggie?? Basil, chives, oregano, rosemary and sage are sometimes recommended.