Keeping Rabbits Away From Your Plants

Are you tired of seeing your plants destroyed by pesky rabbits? You're not alone. Many gardeners struggle to keep rabbits from eating their fruits and vegetables. Fortunately, there are several proven methods to deter rabbits from your garden. In this article, we'll explore some of the best ways to keep rabbits away from your plants.

Why Do Rabbits Eat Plants?

Before we dive into the solutions, it's important to understand why rabbits eat plants in the first place. Rabbits are herbivores, which means they primarily eat plants. They have a special digestive system that allows them to extract nutrients from tough plant material, like grasses and leaves. Unfortunately, this means they may view your garden as an all-you-can-eat buffet.

How to Keep Rabbits Away From Plants

Fencing

One of the most effective ways to keep rabbits away from your plants is to put up a fence around your garden. The fence should be at least two feet high and buried six inches deep to prevent rabbits from digging underneath it. Make sure the fence has small enough holes to keep rabbits out (1 inch or less). Some gardeners use chicken wire or hardware cloth for this purpose.

Tips:

1. Make sure the fence is sturdy so rabbits cannot push it over.
2. Use stakes to secure the fence posts firmly in the ground.
3. Ensure the bottom of the fence is flush with the ground to prevent rabbits from sneaking under.

Natural Repellents

Another option is to use natural repellents around your garden. Some plants, like marigolds and onions, are naturally unappealing to rabbits. You can also use certain smells, such as peppermint or vinegar, to deter rabbits from coming near your garden.

Tips:

1. Plant marigolds and onions around the perimeter of your garden.
2. Spray a mixture of water and peppermint oil around your garden.
3. Soak cotton balls in vinegar and place them around your garden.

Scare Tactics

Rabbits are skittish animals, so you can use scare tactics to keep them away from your plants. For example, you can place fake owls or snakes around your garden to make rabbits think there's a predator nearby.

Tips:

1. Move the fake predators around often so rabbits don't get used to them.
2. Use shiny objects, like CDs or aluminum foil, to create flashes of light that will le rabbits.
3. Set up motion-activated sprinklers that will spray water when rabbits come near your garden.

Netting

Netting is another way to protect your plants from rabbits. You can use netting to cover individual plants or entire garden beds. Make sure the netting is tight to the ground to prevent rabbits from crawling underneath it.

Tips:

1. Use lightweight netting to avoid crushing plants.
2. Secure the netting tightly around the edges to prevent rabbits from getting inside.
3. Remove the netting as soon as your plants are big enough to fend for themselves.

Repellent Sprays

If all else fails, you can use repellent sprays to keep rabbits away from your garden. These sprays usually contain natural ingredients that rabbits find unappealing, such as hot pepper or garlic.

Tips:

1. Follow the instructions on the label carefully.
2. Reapply the spray after rain or watering.
3. Avoid spraying near areas where people or pets may come into contact with it.

As you can see, there are several ways to keep rabbits away from your plants. Whether you choose to put up a fence or use natural repellents, a little bit of effort can go a long way in protecting your garden. Remember to stay vigilant and adjust your tactics as needed to ensure the best results.

FAQs

1) Do rabbits eat all types of plants?

Rabbits tend to prefer young, tender plants, but they will eat almost any type of plant if they're hungry enough.

2) Do ultrasonic rabbit repellents work?

There isn't much scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of ultrasonic rabbit repellents, so it's hard to say for sure.

3) How often should I apply repellent sprays?

You should follow the instructions on the label carefully, but most repellent sprays need to be reapplied every few days or after rain or watering.

4) Can I use mothballs to keep rabbits away from my garden?

No, mothballs are toxic and should never be used around plants or animals.

5) Can rabbits jump over a two-foot fence?

Rabbits can jump up to three feet high, so a two-foot fence may not be enough to keep them out. However, burying the fence six inches deep can help prevent them from digging underneath it.