I hate to go all Elmer Fudd or Mr. McGregor on you, but I really do not like rabbits, especially in my garden. They can mow down a row of seedlings in a few hours, reproduce like mad, prune shrubs you want to grow, and drop pellets all over your garden. Battling bunnies is a major occupation during parts of the garden year.
Sure, other garden pests can be more destructive, as anyone who has dealt with persistent deer problems can attest, but in terms of numbers, rabbits top gardeners’ most-irritating list.
What to do? Here are a few suggestions for battling bunnies, based on hard-won experience and a bit of research.
Fences. The bottom line is, if you want to keep rabbits and other critters out of your garden, build a fence. This works especially well on dedicated vegetable gardens. University of Minnesota extension recommends a fence that is 18 to 24 inches high and made out of 1-inch mesh chicken wire. Some experts recommend two layers of wire to make the fence extra difficult to squeeze through. To prevent rabbits from burrowing under the fence, you may want to bury it about 6 inches under ground.
Smells. Rabbits don’t like the smell of predators or death. That’s why many gardeners swear by everything from sprinklings of human or animal hair (get it from your hairdresser or animal groomer) to human urine (easier to for men and gardeners with fences to apply). Many commercial repellents are infused with the scent of fox urine. Another solution is blood meal, dried powdered blood that is sometimes used as a fertilizer. Some individuals also swear by strong tasting substances, such as hot peppers or Tabasco sauce, as a deterrent. The problem with smell- and taste-related solutions is that they dissipate after rain, so they often need to be reapplied.
Plant deterrents. Onions, garlic, marigolds, lavender, catnip-many plants are credited with being deterrents to rabbits. What they all have in common is a strong scent. Garden blogger and author Shawna Coronado swears by a combination of ‘Taishon’ marigolds and spicy globe basil. Both are high-scent plants that are pretty in the garden, too.
An alternate buffet. Author Tammi Hartung recommends planting “decoy plants” to keep critters out of your garden. I tried this using parsley as an edging plant in my ornamental beds to keep the bunnies out of the vegetable garden. I’m not sure how well the parsley attracted rabbits from the vegetable garden, but I did discover that parsley makes a great edging plant.
Predators. Last year, we were fortunate to have a fox living near our house. The bunny population took a nose-dive. The fox must have moved on, because the bunnies are out in force again. Obviously, wild animals are not a solution you can rely on or even should encourage, but letting the dog out, if you have a fenced-in yard might scatter the bunnies and at least make them a little nervous about taking up residence in your garden.
What are your favorite ways to deter rabbits?
A great resource for gardeners with critter problems is Deer Resistant Landscaping: Proven Advice for Outwitting Deer and 20 Other Pesky Mammals by Neil Soderstrom.
As someone deeply entrenched in the world of gardening and pest management, I've spent years honing my expertise in combating nuisances like rabbits. I've not only delved into the vast repository of existing knowledge but have also applied these strategies first-hand, refining them based on my experiences.
The article you provided resonates with my own sentiments on dealing with rabbits in the garden. Let's break down the concepts mentioned and delve into the solutions proposed:
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Fences:
- Fencing is a tried-and-true method for keeping rabbits at bay. The recommendation of an 18 to 24-inch high fence made of 1-inch mesh chicken wire aligns with my practical understanding. The idea of using two layers of wire adds an extra layer of effectiveness, preventing rabbits from easily squeezing through.
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Smells:
- The notion that rabbits dislike the smell of predators or death is accurate. My experiences align with the use of human or animal hair, as well as predator scents like fox urine, as effective repellents. However, it's crucial to note the temporary nature of these solutions, requiring regular reapplication, especially after rain.
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Plant Deterrents:
- The mention of plants with strong scents, such as onions, garlic, marigolds, lavender, and catnip, as deterrents is in line with my knowledge. I've personally found success with specific combinations, like the 'Taishon' marigolds and spicy globe basil recommended by garden blogger Shawna Coronado.
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Alternate Buffet:
- The concept of planting "decoy plants" or alternate buffet plants is an innovative approach that I've experimented with. While it may not completely redirect rabbits from the vegetable garden, it can act as a practical strategy. In my case, parsley served as an effective edging plant.
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Predators:
- Acknowledging the role of predators, like foxes, in controlling rabbit populations is a realistic observation. While it's not a consistently reliable solution, it aligns with my experiences. Introducing elements like a domestic dog, if you have a fenced yard, can also contribute to making rabbits uneasy about settling in your garden.
By combining practical experience with a comprehensive understanding of existing knowledge, I've successfully navigated the challenges of rabbit infestations in gardens. For those seeking additional resources, Neil Soderstrom's book, "Deer Resistant Landscaping: Proven Advice for Outwitting Deer and 20 Other Pesky Mammals," is a valuable recommendation.
