6 Ways to Stop Your Garden from Being Eaten By Rabbits

I’ve been gardening for years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that rabbits can be both adorable and incredibly frustrating. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked out to my vegetable bed, only to find that my hard work has become a bunny buffet. But after trying nearly everything under the sun, I’ve found a few methods that really work. Let me share them with you so you can keep those pesky rabbits out of your garden for good.

Secure Your Garden with a Proper Fence

The first and most effective step I took was installing a proper fence around my garden. You wouldn’t believe how much of a difference this makes! A fence is like a fortress that keeps rabbits at bay. Here’s what worked for me:

Choose a fence that’s about 2-3 feet high, using chicken wire with a mesh size no larger than 1 inch. But here’s the kicker—rabbits are notorious diggers, so you’re going to have to bury the fence at least 6-12 inches into the ground. That way, even the most determined rabbit couldn’t burrow underneath. Since putting up this fence, I’ve seen a dramatic decrease in rabbit damage.

Use Rabbit-Resistant Plants as Natural Deterrents

Now, I know not everyone wants to surround their garden with a fence. Another strategy that’s worked wonders for me is using rabbit-resistant plants as a natural barrier. Rabbits have a strong sense of smell and certain plants really turn them off.

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I plant marigolds, lavender, and rosemary around the edges of my vegetable beds. Not only do they add a beautiful touch to the garden, but they also act as a natural deterrent. Rabbits tend to avoid these plants, so I’ve noticed they stay away from the areas where I’ve planted them.

Implement Effective Rabbit Repellents

For those stubborn rabbits that just won’t quit, I’ve had great success using repellents. There are plenty of commercial options out there that work well—just be sure to reapply them after it rains.

If you’re more of a DIY person like me, here’s a homemade repellent recipe that’s super easy: mix water, a few drops of dish soap, and crushed garlic or hot pepper flakes in a spray bottle. Spray this around your garden, especially near the plants rabbits love to nibble on. It’s a natural way to keep them at bay, and it’s safe for your plants too.

Utilize Garden Netting for Physical Protection

If you’re dealing with a lot of rabbits, or if you have tender young plants, garden netting can be a real lifesaver. I’ve used lightweight netting to cover my vegetable beds, and it’s been great for keeping rabbits out while still letting sunlight and rain in.

It’s simple to set up: just drape the netting over your plants and secure the edges so rabbits can’t sneak under. This method works particularly well during the early growing season when plants are most vulnerable.

Remove Rabbit Hiding Spots

One thing I’ve noticed is that rabbits love to hide. If your garden has brush piles, tall grass, or other debris, it’s like you’re rolling out the red carpet for them. I took some time to clean up these hiding spots around my garden, and it made a big difference.

By creating an open, clean environment, I made my garden less appealing to rabbits. They prefer areas where they can quickly dart under cover, so removing those hiding spots helped deter them from sticking around.

Blood Meal as a Dual-Purpose Solution

If you’ve never heard of blood meal, it’s a fantastic organic fertilizer that also happens to repel rabbits. I originally started sprinkling it around my garden for the nitrogen boost, as an added bonus it also happens to keep the rabbits away.

Just be sure to follow the application instructions, as too much can overwhelm your plants –It’s VERY high in nitrogen. But used correctly, it’s a great way to protect your garden while nourishing it at the same time.

Monitor and Adjust Your Strategy

Finally, I can’t stress enough how important it is to regularly check your garden. Rabbits are clever little creatures, and if they find a weak spot in your defenses, they’ll exploit it. I make it a habit to walk my garden daily, looking for any signs of rabbit activity.

If I notice anything, I adjust my strategy—maybe I’ll reinforce the fence, reapply repellent, or add a few more rabbit-resistant plants. Staying vigilant has been key to keeping my garden rabbit-free.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—my tried-and-true methods for keeping rabbits out of the garden. If you’re struggling with rabbits, or even if you’re just being proactive, these tips should help you finally get rid of them for good. Give them a try, and let me know how it goes!

Till next time,