Vigor Versus Varmints

Pole Beans and Snow Peas and Carrots, OH MY! I took the opportunity on this sunny day to get three veggies sown today. I'm trying out a red carrot version this year.
 My main concern is keeping critters from nibbling my young crops...no spring salads for YOU, rats! I think I will invest in floating row covers; they let water and sun through, keep pests out. I wonder if it will keep varmints baffled as well? Or should I put up some sort of chicken-wire fence? Other than building raised beds, what do you suggest?