How do I stop rabbits from eating my garden?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Rabbits have the potential to ravage gardens overnight. To deter rabbits garden areas in your yard, utilize a fusion of natural deterrents, physical barriers, and strategically chosen planting schemes. A 24-inch tall chicken wire fence works well if buried 6 inches deep. This prevents the rabbit from burrowing under the fence and just plainly gives persistent eaters less opportunity!
Spicy Garlic Spray
- Mix 2 tbsp cayenne + 4 minced garlic cloves in 1 qt water
- Add 1 tsp dish soap to help mixture adhere
- Spray foliage weekly or after rain
Egg Wash Solution
- Blend 3 eggs with 1 gallon water
- Strain through cheesecloth to avoid clogging sprayers
- Apply to soil edges every 10 days
Plants that are resistant to rabbits can add beauty to your yard and act as a deterrent. Since rabbits dislike the smell of marigolds, they can be planted near vegetables. Lavender's strong odor disorients rabbits while foraging. If you grow these with onions, garlic, or other pungent vegetables, it adds another layer of deterrent. For gardens in desert climates, agave and yucca deter rabbits from eating with their spiny leaves.
Tailor your strategies to regional rabbit species. Eastern cottontail rabbits jump higher, so utilize 36-inch fencing. Desert cottontails dig deeper, so you should bury 8 inches into the ground. There are some ways to reinforce your fencing, including using UV-resistant zip ties. Be sure to check for gaps rabbits could exploit every week.
Communicate your accomplishments in a digital format. One client in Texas ended his rabbit raids by utilizing welded mesh and rosemary hedges. Another client in Oregon protected his blueberries from pests by spraying them with cayenne. Your creative strategies may motivate people who possess similar problems in their gardens!
Read the full article: 10 Effective Ways to Deter Rabbits in Your Garden
