Ever caught a rabbit munching on your prized veggies? It’s cute until it’s your garden they’re feasting on. We’ve got the lowdown on keeping those furry critters at bay. From time-tested tricks to plant preferences that rabbits just can’t resist, here’s everything you need to safeguard your garden and keep those carrots for yourself.
Add a Physical Barrier
Putting up fencing or netting around your garden is like setting a no-entry sign for rabbits. Make sure it’s buried a few inches underground and tall enough so they can’t jump over. This way, you create a fortress that keeps those furry invaders out without harming them. Just be ready for a bit of DIY.
Protect Individual Plants
For smaller, more vulnerable plants, consider using cloches or plant cages as personal bodyguards. This gives each plant its own little shield against rabbit attacks. This method is great for young seedlings or your prize tomatoes but requires a bit more effort to set up for each plant.
Include Plants Rabbits Don’t Like
Apparently, rabbits are picky eaters. Planting things like marigolds, garlic, and onions can act as a natural repellent because rabbits turn their noses up at these. It’s a smart way to keep your garden safe and add some variety to your planting scheme. Just remember, you might need to experiment a bit.
Remove Nesting Spots
Rabbits love to cozy up in tall grass and underbrush. Keeping your garden tidy and clearing away potential nesting spots discourages them from moving in. Think of it as making your garden less inviting for a rabbit sleepover. A little garden hygiene goes a long way.
Use Visual Deterrants
Hanging shiny objects like aluminum foil strips or old CDs around your garden can startle rabbits with unexpected movements and reflections, making them think twice about venturing in. This method can work well but let’s just say it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing garden decor to look at.
Call on Predator Help
Introducing natural predators like cats or dogs if you have them can make rabbits think twice about setting foot in your garden. Your own furry neighborhood watch will have them thinking twice before hopping on in to chow down. However, this method may not be suitable for all garden settings or preferences.
Use a Homemade or Store-bought Spray
Certain scents, like garlic or hot pepper, can be repulsive to rabbits. Spraying a homemade or store-bought repellent around your garden creates an invisible barrier that deters them from munching on your plants. Just be cautious with application to avoid getting it on yourself.
The Irish Spring Soap Trick
Apparently, rabbits aren’t fans of strong scents like Irish Spring soap. Placing bars of this soap around your garden acts as a natural deterrent, keeping those pesky critters at bay. It’s a simple and cost-effective method, but you’ll need to replace the soap periodically to maintain its effectiveness.
Sprinkle Pepper Around Plants
Rabbits have sensitive noses, and the strong scent of pepper can send them running. Sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes or ground black pepper around your plants creates a spicy barrier that rabbits will avoid. Just be mindful of wind dispersing the pepper.
Save Those Citrus Peels
The strong citrus scent from orange or lemon peels can be repulsive to rabbits. Placing these peels around your garden borders or near vulnerable plants can deter them from nibbling. It’s a natural and fragrant way to keep rabbits at bay, but you’ll need to replace the peels regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
Talcum Powder
Sprinkling talcum powder around your garden can create an irritating sensation for rabbits if they come into contact with it. It’s like creating an invisible barrier that rabbits would rather avoid. Just be cautious with application to avoid inhaling the powder yourself, especially on windy days.
White Vinegar
Mixing white vinegar with water and spraying it around your garden creates a pungent scent that rabbits find unpleasant. It’s a simple and natural deterrent that’s safe for your plants but not so appealing to rabbits. Just be mindful of where you spray to avoid damaging delicate foliage.
Use Traps as a Last Resort
As a last resort, setting up humane traps can help you catch and relocate persistent rabbits if this is allowed in your state and town — check your local laws because it’s not everywhere. However, this method requires diligence in checking and releasing trapped rabbits promptly to ensure their safety and prevent harm.
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Growing your own food isn’t just for those with sprawling gardens; a small container or patch of dirt is all you need to start. Replacing even a few items from your grocery list with homegrown produce can inject fun and flavor into your meals. It’s a transformative experience that brings unparalleled freshness to your table and connects you more deeply with the cycle of nature. Let’s explore the many benefits of turning even the smallest space into a flourishing garden.
See Them Here: 13 Reasons Why You Should Grow Your Own Food (Even Just A Little!)
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Thinking about growing your own herbs but wondering if it’s worth the effort? Not only is it easier than you might imagine, but it’s also a serious money saver, especially when these herbs are in season. If you’ve ever balked at the price of a tiny plastic packet of fresh herbs at the grocery store, consider growing your own whether in a garden or indoors in pots. These 11 foolproof herbs are the perfect ones to start with.
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Jumping into raised bed gardening opens up a whole new world of growing potential, from boosting your soil’s nutrient profile to getting more green in less ground. The beauty of raised beds isn’t just in their efficient drainage or how they keep your soil from getting squashed underfoot; it’s also about making every square inch count. With space at a premium for most of us, picking the right veggies for these elevated patches is key.
This list will guide you through choosing the best plants for your raised beds, ensuring your garden thrives. While not every veggie is cut out for life above ground level, there are some that truly shine in compact spaces.
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
