Rabbits are adorable—until they turn your carefully tended broccoli into a stump overnight. One moment, your garden is thriving, and the next, it looks like a buffet table for these fluffy intruders. If you’ve ever stepped outside in the morning only to find half your crops missing, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about what rabbits love (and hate), how to spot their handiwork, and most importantly, how to keep them from making a feast out of your hard work.
What Do Rabbits Love to Eat?
Rabbits aren’t picky eaters, but they do have favorites. If you grow these plants, you might as well hang up a “Bunny Buffet” sign:
- Broccoli (especially young plants)
- Lettuce
- Beans
- Peas
- Carrots (both tops and roots)
- Beets
- Swiss chard
- Spinach
They tend to favor tender, young plants, which means your freshly sprouted vegetables are especially at risk.
What Do Rabbits Avoid?
Not everything is on a rabbit’s menu. If you’re looking for plants they’re less likely to nibble on, try these:
- Garlic and onions – The strong scent repels them.
- Tomatoes – They don’t like the taste.
- Peppers – Spicy or not, rabbits usually steer clear.
- Herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary – The strong smell is a turn-off. Interplant these among your vegetables.
- Yarrow – A great addition to your pest control lineup. Plant these nearby in containers or in ground near your garden. Yarrow spreads easily.
Signs Rabbits Have Been in Your Garden
Wondering if rabbits are your main garden thieves? Here’s what to look for:
- Clean-cut damage on plants – Unlike insects that leave ragged edges, rabbits bite plants cleanly off at an angle.
- Missing seedlings overnight – Rabbits love tender new growth.
- Pellet-like droppings – Small, round, and dark, rabbit droppings are a sure sign they’ve been around.
- Tracks – Look for small paw prints with four toes on the front feet and five on the back.
- Nibbled bark on young trees or shrubs – Rabbits chew on bark, especially in winter.
Now, let’s get to the important part—how to stop them.
Tips to Keep Rabbits Out of Your Garden
1. Repel Them with Smell and Taste
Rabbits rely on their noses, so strong scents can send them running. Try these:
- Sprinkle blood meal or bone meal around your plants (bonus: it also acts as a fertilizer).
- Use homemade sprays like a mix of garlic, hot pepper, and dish soap in water.
- Scatter human or pet hair around the garden—rabbits don’t like the smell.
- Plant strong-smelling herbs like oregano, thyme, and onions throughout your beds.
2. Scare Them Away
Rabbits are skittish, so making them feel unsafe can help:
- Motion-activated sprinklers startle them with a sudden burst of water.
- Fake predators like plastic owls, rubber snakes, or even a scarecrow may work—just move them around occasionally so the rabbits don’t catch on.
- A barking dog in the yard can be an excellent deterrent.
3. Create a Barrier
The most reliable way to keep rabbits out? Fencing.
- Use chicken wire or hardware cloth with holes no larger than 1 inch.
- The fence should be at least 2 feet high (rabbits can jump, but not too high).
- Bury the bottom 6 inches underground or bend it outward to prevent them from digging under.
- Cover raised beds with floating row covers or garden netting for extra protection.
- The barrier above is from Gardeners Supply
4. Eliminate Hiding Spots
Rabbits love shelter, so remove their favorite hiding places:
- Trim overgrown grass and weeds around your garden.
- Remove brush piles, wood stacks, or low-hanging branches where rabbits could nest.
- Seal gaps under sheds or decks to prevent them from making a home nearby.
Final Thoughts
Rabbits may be cute, but they can wreak havoc on your vegetable garden if left unchecked. With the right combination of deterrents, barriers, and smart plant choices, you can enjoy your harvest without constantly battling these fluffy invaders. A little effort now will save you from the heartbreak of watching your hard work disappear one bite at a time!
Have you dealt with rabbits in your garden? What’s worked for you? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Gardening
Karen
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