How do I protect my garden year-round?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Rabbits are a menace to gardens year-round. The key to protection lies in adjusting the approach on a monthly basis. Personally, I guard my garden with seasonal changes I've developed over the years. You will need a different plan going into summer's heat versus winter's snowfall to truly deter rabbits.
Warm Month Tactics
- Apply liquid garlic sprays every 3-5 days during dry periods
- Reapply after 0.25 inch rainfall to maintain scent barriers
- Install motion sprinklers to cover high-activity zones
Rainy Season Solutions
- Switch to granular blood meal repellents that resist washout
- Apply under plant canopies where rain protection exists
- Use shaker cans for even distribution in wet conditions
Breeding Season Prep
- Install chicken wire fencing before April breeding peaks
- Bury barriers 6 inches deep with outward angled bases
- Place predator scent bags near suspected nesting sites
Elevate monitoring during periods of high activity. Rabbit pressure peaks during the spring and fall months. Inspect twice as much during a full moon when activity levels peak. Fresh droppings and stem nibbling can have predictive value. Keep a journal or garden journal to document your findings for future predictive work.
Utilize mixed methods. Use summer sprays and physical barriers together. Use winter granules and habitat modification. This multilayered method cut damage to 85% in my garden. Start with fencing and then use scent deterrents for complete protection.
Modify tactics for local conditions. Humid areas require more frequent applications than arid areas, and regions with snow necessitate taller tree guards. My garden in Vermont utilizes 36" winter wraps, whereas my site in Arizona depends on biweekly applications.
Read the full article: 10 Natural Rabbit Repellents for Gardens
