How To Keep Rabbits Out Of Your Vegetable Garden

4 Humane Ways to Keep Rabbits Out Of The Garden Gardening Channel from www.gardeningchannel.com

Introduction

Rabbits can be a real problem for gardeners, particularly those who are growing vegetables. They can decimate a entire vegetable patch overnight, leaving behind nothing but bare, chewed stems. But don't despair - there are a number of ways to keep rabbits out of your garden and protect your plants. In this article, we'll explore some of the most effective methods for keeping rabbits away from your vegetable garden.

Fences

One of the most effective ways to keep rabbits out of your garden is to build a fence around it. Fences should be at least 2 feet tall, preferably higher, and should be buried at least 6 inches into the ground. This will create a barrier that rabbits won't be able to jump over or dig under. If you have a particularly serious rabbit problem, you may want to consider using an electric fence, as this will provide an additional deterrent.

Repellents

There are a number of commercial rabbit repellents on the market, which work by creating an unpleasant smell or taste that rabbits find unpleasant. These repellents can be applied directly to plants, or can be sprayed around the perimeter of the garden. Repellents should be reapplied after heavy rain, as they can be washed away by the rain.

Deterrent Plants

Certain plants have a strong odor that rabbits find unpleasant, and planting these around the perimeter of the garden can be an effective way to keep them away. Common deterrent plants include garlic, onions, and chives. Planting these around the garden will create a barrier that rabbits will be discouraged from crossing.

Traps

Traps can be an effective way to catch and remove rabbits from your garden. There are a number of different types of traps available, including live traps, box traps, and snare traps. When using traps, it is important to check them regularly, as rabbits can die if left in the traps for too long.

Predators

Introducing natural predators into your garden can be an effective way to keep rabbits away. Common predators of rabbits include foxes, coyotes, hawks, and owls. While these predators can be effective at keeping rabbits away, they can also be dangerous to humans, so it is important to take all necessary precautions when introducing them into your garden.

Dog or Cat

Having a dog or cat in the garden can be an effective way to keep rabbits away. The presence of a dog or cat will discourage rabbits from entering the garden, as they will perceive them as a potential threat. It is important to ensure that the dog or cat is supervised at all times, as they can inadvertently cause harm to any rabbits they encounter.

Netting

Covering your vegetable plants with netting is an effective way to protect them from rabbits. The netting should be at least 3 feet tall, and should be buried at least 6 inches into the ground. This will create a barrier that rabbits won't be able to jump over. If you have a particularly serious rabbit problem, you may want to consider using an electric netting, as this will provide an additional deterrent.

Conclusion

Rabbits can be a real nuisance for gardeners, particularly those who are growing vegetables. But don't despair - there are a number of ways to keep rabbits out of your garden and protect your plants. Fences, repellents, deterrent plants, traps, predators, and netting can all be effective ways to keep rabbits away from your vegetable garden. With the right combination of methods, you can ensure that your vegetables are safe from rabbits.