Protecting your garden from hungry rabbits can be a real challenge. These adorable creatures can wreak havoc on your carefully cultivated plants, leaving behind nibbled leaves and trampled flowers. But don’t despair! There are many plants that rabbits naturally avoid, making them excellent deterrents.
Understanding Rabbit Deterrents
Rabbits have sensitive noses and tend to steer clear of strong scents and textures they find unpleasant. By strategically planting these rabbit-resistant species, you can create a protective barrier around your more vulnerable plants.
Types of Rabbit Deterrents
There are two main categories of rabbit deterrents:
- Strongly Scented Plants
- Plants with Thorns or Spines
We’ll explore both categories in detail, providing you with a list of effective options for your garden.
## What To Plant To Keep Rabbits Away
Rabbits can be adorable creatures, but their love for munching on garden plants can be a gardener’s nightmare. Protecting your precious blooms and vegetables from these furry invaders can be a challenge, but luckily, there are many plants that rabbits tend to avoid. By strategically incorporating these rabbit-resistant plants into your garden, you can create a natural barrier and deter these pesky critters.
Understanding Rabbit Behavior
Before we delve into specific plants, it’s helpful to understand why rabbits choose certain plants over others. Rabbits are primarily herbivores with a preference for young, tender shoots, leaves, and fruits. They are also attracted to plants with a high moisture content and a sweet taste.
Factors Influencing Rabbit Preference
* **Plant Texture:** Rabbits tend to avoid plants with prickly, hairy, or tough leaves.
* **Scent:** Strong-smelling herbs and plants often repel rabbits due to their pungent aroma.
* **Taste:** Bitterness, spiciness, or a soapy taste can deter rabbits from nibbling.
* **Appearance:** Some plants with unusual shapes or colors may be less appealing to rabbits. (See Also: Can Rabbits Have Cracked Corn)
Building a Rabbit-Resistant Garden
Creating a rabbit-resistant garden involves a multi-pronged approach.
1. Companion Planting:
Companion planting involves strategically grouping plants together to benefit each other. Certain plants naturally repel rabbits, making them ideal companions for your vulnerable crops.
2. Physical Barriers:
Fencing, netting, or cages can effectively keep rabbits out of your garden.
3. Repellents:
Commercial rabbit repellents or homemade solutions using natural ingredients like garlic, onions, or chili peppers can deter rabbits.
Plants Rabbits Generally Avoid
Here’s a list of plants that rabbits tend to steer clear of:
Herbs
* **Lavender:** Its strong scent is a natural rabbit repellent.
* **Rosemary:** The pungent aroma of rosemary is unappealing to rabbits.
* **Mint:** Mint’s strong, refreshing scent deters rabbits.
* **Sage:** Sage’s earthy flavor and aroma are not rabbit favorites.
* **Thyme:** Thyme’s strong scent and tiny leaves make it a rabbit-resistant choice.
* **Chives:** The oniony flavor of chives is off-putting to rabbits.
* **Garlic:** The pungent smell of garlic is a natural rabbit repellent. (See Also: How To Keep Rabbits Off Your Lawn)
Flowers
* **Daffodils:** These cheerful spring blooms contain toxic alkaloids that are harmful to rabbits.
* **Foxgloves:** The tall, bell-shaped flowers of foxgloves contain cardiac glycosides, which are poisonous to rabbits.
* **Holly:** The prickly leaves and berries of holly make it a deterrent for rabbits.
* **Hyacinths:** Hyacinths contain toxic compounds that can be harmful to rabbits.
* **Roses:** While rabbits may nibble on rose leaves occasionally, the thorns and prickly stems generally discourage them.
Vegetables and Other Plants
* **Alliums:** Onions, shallots, and leeks all contain compounds that rabbits dislike.
* **Asparagus:** The tough spears of asparagus are not appealing to rabbits.
* **Rhubarb:** The tart leaves and stalks of rhubarb are generally avoided by rabbits.
* **Tomatoes:** While rabbits may nibble on tomato plants, the acidic fruits are not their favorite.
* **Peppers:** Hot peppers, like chili peppers, contain capsaicin, which is a natural rabbit repellent.
* **Yarrow:** The feathery foliage and strong scent of yarrow deter rabbits.
* **Russian Sage:** This drought-tolerant shrub has silvery-gray foliage and lavender-blue flowers that rabbits tend to avoid.
Creating a Rabbit-Resistant Landscape
When designing your garden, consider these tips to further deter rabbits:
* **Plant in Groups:** Planting multiple rabbit-resistant plants together creates a more formidable barrier.
* **Use Raised Beds:** Elevate your garden beds to make it more difficult for rabbits to access.
* **Remove Hiding Places:** Keep your garden tidy and free of debris, as rabbits like to hide in tall grass and cluttered areas.
* **Provide Alternatives:** Consider planting a “rabbit buffet” in a separate area of your yard to distract them from your main garden.
Recap
Protecting your garden from rabbits requires a combination of strategies. By understanding rabbit behavior and choosing rabbit-resistant plants, companion planting, using physical barriers, and employing repellents, you can create a haven for your desired plants while keeping those pesky rabbits at bay. Remember, persistence is key, and with a little effort, you can enjoy a thriving garden free from rabbit damage.
Frequently Asked Questions: Rabbit-Resistant Plants
What plants do rabbits absolutely hate?
Rabbits tend to avoid plants with strong scents, fuzzy or prickly textures, and bitter tastes. Some examples include lavender, rosemary, sage, mint, daffodils, alliums, and foxgloves.
Can I plant anything to create a natural rabbit fence?
Yes! Planting a row of strongly scented or prickly plants around your garden can act as a deterrent. Consider using a combination of plants like lavender, rosemary, yarrow, barberry, or holly. (See Also: Do Wild Rabbits Play Dead)
Are there any vegetables rabbits won’t eat?
While rabbits are notorious for their love of vegetables, some they tend to avoid include onions, garlic, chives, and hot peppers. However, it’s important to note that individual rabbits may have different preferences.
What can I do if rabbits are already eating my plants?
If you’re dealing with an existing rabbit problem, try a combination of deterrents. In addition to planting rabbit-resistant plants, you can use netting, fencing, motion-activated sprinklers, or commercial rabbit repellents.
How do I know if a plant is truly rabbit-proof?
No plant is 100% rabbit-proof, as their preferences can vary. However, choosing plants with strong scents, textures, or tastes will significantly reduce the likelihood of them being nibbled.
