What's the most affordable protection method?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.You don't have to break the bank to protect your garden from rabbits. When properly installed, chicken wire fencing provides unbelievable value. I surrounded my half-acre garden for less than $100 with it. Add in the homemade sprays, and you have total rabbit protection without going bankrupt.
Chicken Wire Installation
- Use 36-inch tall fencing with 1-inch mesh to prevent squeezing
- Bury bottom 6 inches underground at 45° outward angle
- Secure with U-shaped ground stakes every 4 feet
Garlic-Pepper Spray Formula
- Combine 2 tbsp garlic powder + 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- Mix with 5 cups water and 1 tsp liquid soap
- Store in recycled spray bottles for zero-cost containers
Maintenance Routine
- Inspect fences monthly for damage or soil erosion
- Reapply spray every Tuesday and Saturday mornings
- Refresh soil barriers after heavy rainfall events
Install fencing with bent underground burial to prevent digging. Bend the bottom 6 inches out before burying. This creates a physical barrier that rabbits cannot get through. I was rabbit-free during three breeding seasons working this way.
Making your own garlic-pepper spray is extremely cheap. I use less than $20 per year on ingredients for my huge garden. Use weekly during the growing season, focusing on the new growth that emerges. Reapply after 1/4 inch of rainfall to continue your protection.
For optimal results, use these methods in conjunction with each other. For example, install fencing along the garden borders and spray the entry points every week. This combination alone saved me $240 over commercial options last year, and I didn't have to buy any expensive plants.
Proper maintenance of your barriers will give you long-lasting results. Ensure the integrity of fences is checked at least once a month, and any open spots are repaired immediately. Be sure to store the ingredients in sealed containers between uses, as appropriate preservation will maintain the protective barrier for years to come.
Read the full article: 10 Natural Rabbit Repellents for Gardens
