How To Keep Rabbits Out Of The Garden

The sight of a rabbit munching on a carrot in a garden is adorable, but only if that garden is yours and the carrot is one you grew yourself. Even some of our non-edible plants may be eaten by rabbits, which is unfortunate for gardeners.

When it comes to dealing with a rabbit problem in your garden, the most important thing to do is to get started as soon as possible. To keep rabbits away from your garden’s plants, here are some non-toxic, humane methods (in no particular order).

Add Physical Barriers To Your Garden

You’re well aware that a simple picket fence will not be sufficient to keep rabbits out. Fence your garden or garden beds with chicken wire with 1-inch mesh or smaller. The chicken wire should be at least six inches below the ground if you plan to do this because rabbits are diggers. Inspect your barriers frequently to see if they’ve been damaged by squirrels or other small animals. Gardeners have also used motion-activated sprinklers to scare rabbits away from their plants.

Individual Plants Should Be Guarded

If you have a few tiny plants that require protection, you may shelter them individually using chicken wire or plant cages. At this time of year, winter is when rabbits are most active. To prevent the plant or tree from receiving water and nutrients, they’ll frequently bite on the bark around its whole circumference. It’s a good idea to have a set of expandable trunk covers on hand to protect your trunks in the event of a snowstorm. Rabbits may climb the tree trunk and into the branches higher and higher than the snowfalls. Repellents are also available in granular and spray form and may be applied in a variety of ways.

Including Plants That Rabbits Dislike

Without a fence, it’s crucial to know what plants to grow so that the rabbits don’t eat them. Even while rabbit-proof plants do not yet exist, strong-smelling plants such as rhubarb, spicy basil, and mint are unappealing to rabbits because of their powerful aromas. There are conflicting reports as to whether or not marigolds deter rabbits from digging in gardens where they have been planted. Young rabbits, on the other hand, will consume a wide variety of plants that their parents would not touch. Just yet, baby bunnies aren’t intelligent enough to determine which plants are safe to consume and which ones aren’t. Rabbits may acquire acclimated to the fragrance of a plant, rendering it ineffective as a deterrent over time, so fixing your rabbit issue may be a question of trial and error and changing things up. Other plants that rabbits don’t like may be found in the list below.

Removing Possible Nesting Places

If you don’t want rabbits in your yard, don’t unwittingly provide the ideal nesting place for a female rabbit. Female rabbits may produce litters of up to ten young. Keeping your yard clear of overgrown and grassy areas is the best way to keep them away. However, if you locate a rabbit’s nest, don’t try to remove it, since it might harm the animal. To avoid causing any damage, contact your local animal control agency.

Increase The Level Of Visual Deterrence

Plants that drive rabbits away aren’t universally accepted by gardeners, but some swear by them. Here are a few to give a go: Rubber snakes, metal pinwheels, and owl figurines all fear rabbits for various reasons. Twine may be tied to two posts and pieces of aluminum foil can be tucked into the twine. These deterrents should be moved periodically to prevent the rabbits from becoming acclimatized to seeing them in the same location.

Predators May Be Enlisted For Assistance

They are excellent in deterring rabbits and other pests from gardens. Because of this, “garden protector” is an excellent argument to urge your roommates to get one for you! Just fool the bunnies into believing you have a dog or cat if that isn’t an option. To fool rabbits into believing there is a predator around, get dog and cat hair from your neighborhood groomer and spread it in burlap bags or pantyhose about your garden. If it rains often, you’ll have to change your hair.

You May Make Your Spray

Many DIY spray formulas incorporate cayenne pepper because rabbits detest the sharp odor of the pepper. You may want to give this one a go:

1. Cayenne pepper and garlic powder are combined with 1 teaspoon of Castile liquid soap in 5 cups of water.
2. Shake the spray container to blend the chemicals before using.
3. Rabbits often eat spray plants.

If you have dogs who explore your garden, bear in mind that cayenne pepper might upset their stomachs. Even though your cat or dog is likely to be repulsed by the stench, exercise caution when deciding whether or not to spray this on your garden.

Alternatives At Home Should Be Explored

Many gardeners have attempted a variety of methods to keep rabbits away from their plants, and here are a few of them: Wrap a bar of Ivory or Irish Spring soap in cheesecloth and put it around the garden on a stick; rabbits don’t like the aroma. Reapply black pepper, red pepper flakes, or garlic powder to your plant beds every few weeks or after a rainstorm.