You’ve spent hours getting your garden planted. You’ve lovingly tended to it day after day. Your handiwork attracts the admiring looks of neighbors and passers-by. But if some of those glances come from rabbits, beware. You’ll need to protect your plants from these cute but hungry marauders.
Here’s what to do to keep rabbits out of your garden.
Tip #1: Build a fence
There are a variety of fencing options that can keep your garden secure, so building a chain link, vinyl or wood fence that will protect the garden area is a worthwhile investment. The fence does not have to be high, but it should have an underground component that’s buried up to 6 inches. Rabbits are great at digging and can easily get around a fence that is not deep enough.
Tip #2: Use scents that rabbits dislike
There are several scents that will keep rabbits far away from your garden and the smell of danger is one of them. The scent of dried blood or urine from coyotes or foxes can do the job well and will trick the rabbit into thinking that a predator is nearby. You can buy these products at local gardening shops and all you have to do is sprinkle them around the perimeter of the garden.
Tip #3: Humane traps
Humane rabbit traps are available that will trap the animal into a cage and keep it there until you relocate it to a different space. If you choose this option, be sure to move the rabbit far away from your home into a completely different area so it cannot wander its way back into your garden later down the road. Be sure to release a rabbit where it can find cover and food. Check your local laws before you choose trap and release.
Tip #4: Chicken wire cages
Rabbits love vegetables, especially peas, beans, or lettuce. If you have any of these growing in the garden, consider building plant cages out of chicken wire to cover the plants. The cage should be at least two feet high, so the rabbits cannot jump over and into them. This will also deter other animals that may find themselves grazing your garden, such as deer.
Tip #5: Plant vegetables they don’t like
Rabbits may be drawn to a luscious green garden, but they won’t do any eating if they see that you’re only growing vegetables that they don’t like. Some of these include tomatoes, corn, squash, peppers, or cucumbers.
Rabbits may be furry and cute, but they can be a real nuisance when it comes to growing a successful garden. Contact our team at Pacific Fence & Wire for fencing options to keep your yard and garden secure and pest-free.
