They’re cute, they’re soft, and to many gardeners they are a menace. Rabbits can clear a garden of foliage, flowers and fruit in a single night, making them some of the sneakiest and most destructive forces nature has in her arsenal. While there are many ways to fend off this cotton-tailed threat the effectiveness of each method depends on the situation. Just try a little of everything and see what works for you!
I just want one little bite…
Rabbit-proof plants
You wouldn’t go to a restaurant that has nothing you like on the menu right? The same applies to rabbits. If there’s nothing good to eat, or the good stuff is too few and far between, they will leave your garden alone. The following varieties either resist or repel voracious bunnies:
- Sweet Alyssum
- Ageratum
- Lantana
- Cleome
- Pot Marigold
- Geraniums
- Wax Begonias
- Vinca
- Snapdragons
- Shirley Poppy
- Sunflowers
- Salvia
- Milkweed
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Catmint
Rabbits will avoid certain varieties for a host of reasons, such as having a very strong scent (something that puts prey animals at a disadvantage), bad taste, or toxicity. You’ll find that in mild cases just planting ‘bad’ plants along with the good will greatly decrease the rabbit traffic in your lawn.
**Important note: Even plants that mature rabbits have learned to avoid are susceptible to being nibbled by baby rabbits. That’s because, just like human babies, immature rabbits test the world with their mouths and will try anything once before they decide they don’t like it. This is why the next bullet is so important.
Using Repellents
Home remedies are great, but sometimes a tough problem needs a tougher solution. That’s why we suggest organic repellents which naturally, safely and effectively repulse rabbits, deer and other pests away from the garden. Do you have dogs or cats? If so, you’ve got some free pest repellent! Simply gather some of your pet’s shed fur and sprinkle it around your plants. Rabbits are skittish and nervous by nature so the smell of a large predator is enough to make them think twice about their choice of dining.
Barriers Are Your Friend
Chicken wire has so many uses nowadays it’s a surprise they don’t call it “Whatever You Need” wire! Use chicken wire or some other light, low maintenance barrier to shield your most vulnerable plants from destruction. Metal is preferred as anything else might get chewed right though with a determined rabbit’s sharp double set of incisors.
Keeping Clean (but fighting dirty )
If you have a recurring rabbit problem but don’t live in a heavily forested area, chances are you’re harboring them right in your own yard. These particular pests are great at hiding in plain sight and will take advantage of any shaded area. Keep large shrubs and low growing trees trimmed up and cleared of any excessive foliage which could hide a family of vermin. Check your yard for holes or “humps” in the soil which are telltale signs of rabbit nests.
To Catch a Thief
If nothing else seems to be working and you just want the bunnies gone right now you can have your local pest control group come and humanely trap and relocate them for you. A rabbit free garden is just a phone call away!
Summing it up:
You know that they say: A pinch of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The best defense against any pest is knowledge and being proactive. Get well acquainted with your gardening neighbors and talk with them about what pests are common in your area. Then, prepare your yard accordingly. Plants things that pests avoid and have some supplies to deal with issues as they arise. With all these things in mind, go out there and reclaim your terrain!