What plants naturally deter rabbits?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Certain plants possess natural rabbit-repelling qualities due to their odors or textures. I use clusters of garlic and lavender for the access/egress points along the border of my garden. These act as living fences; rabbits avoid them by instinct. Strategic placement heightens the protective features and is more effective than scatter planting.
Allium Family Plants
- Plant garlic bulbs 6 inches apart along garden edges
- Interplant onions between vulnerable vegetables like lettuce
- Harvest outer leaves while keeping roots for continuous scent
Aromatic Herbs
- Grow lavender in sunny border clusters 3 feet wide
- Place rosemary bushes near entry points rabbits use
- Trim catmint regularly to release maximum fragrance
Trap Crops
- Plant marigolds 18 inches from protected vegetables
- Use French marigolds which rabbits prefer over other varieties
- Replace nibbled plants immediately to maintain diversion
Alliums, such as garlic, create powerful scent deterrents that bunnies find unappealing. I plant them in thick clusters around veggie beds. Along my bean trellises, I plant the garlic and onion in alternating rows. This combination decreased visits from bunnies in my garden by 70% last year.
Lavender and rosemary serve two purposes. Their fragrance deters rabbits, and also their dense growth inhibits access. I trim back the shrubs periodically to allow for air circulation and scent release under windy conditions. When you strategically place them upwind from the protected area, you provide additional barrier protection in the event of rabbit activity on those breezy days.
Marigolds act as great trap crops. Create sacrificial rings of plants around valuable plants. Rabbits will often choose marigolds over vegetables if the option is available. I replace the eaten flowers every week to keep enticing them throughout the entire growing season.
Combine these plants with physical barriers. My best setup is rosemary hedges combined with chicken wire fencing. This layered system provides an impassable barrier that rabbits will not cross. Plant in early spring for established protection.
Read the full article: 10 Natural Rabbit Repellents for Gardens
