Lyla Lindsey
Rabbits can be a menace to your garden, decimating crops and flowers alike. While they may be cute, they are voracious eaters with a penchant for tender greens, vegetables, and certain flowers. To prevent your garden from becoming their salad bar, you need to take some measures. Fencing is one of the most effective ways to keep rabbits out, but other methods include using rabbit-repelling liquids, natural deterrents, and planting flowers that rabbits dislike.
How to stop rabbits from eating plants in Australia
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fencing | Use metal fencing that is at least 2 feet above the ground (3 feet is preferable) to prevent rabbits from jumping over it. |
| Fence Construction | Use heavy wire fencing with openings no larger than 1 inch to prevent baby rabbits from entering. Bury the bottom 2-3 inches of the fence underground to prevent rabbits from digging underneath. |
| Natural Deterrents | Dogs can be effective deterrents as they will chase away rabbits. Motion-activated sprinklers, scare devices, and visual deterrents like scarecrows or owl decoys can also startle and discourage rabbits. |
| Odour-Based Repellents | Commercially available repellents containing capsaicin or predator urine can be effective. Natural repellents include garlic powder, chilli powder, coffee grounds, and vinegar. |
| Plant Choice | Incorporate rabbit-resistant plants such as daffodils, lavender, vincas, yarrow, rosemary, marigolds, irises, geraniums, and foxglove. |
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What You'll Learn
Install a fence
Fencing is one of the most effective methods to deter rabbits from accessing your precious plants. While it takes some time and effort to install, a fence will provide a permanent barrier to keep the rabbits out. Since rabbits don't jump very high, a fence as short as 2 feet (or even 6 inches) can be enough to keep them out. However, more determined rabbits may try to dig under the fence, so it is recommended to bury the lowest 2 to 3 inches of the fence underground. You can also support the fencing with sturdy stakes and anchor the bottom to the ground with landscape pins.
When installing a fence, it is important to use the right materials. Wire fencing with openings no greater than 1 inch across is best, as this will prevent baby rabbits from squeezing through. Chicken wire or rabbit wire are good options. If you have a raised bed garden, you can attach the fencing around the structure to keep the rabbits out. This will be more challenging if your garden is ground level, but the fence will last for years and provide effective protection against rabbits.
In addition to installing a fence, you can also try modifying your landscaping to make it less hospitable to rabbits. Remove brush piles, tall grass, and other hiding spots around the perimeter of your garden. This will make rabbits feel less comfortable foraging in your plants. You can also try combining multiple strategies, such as spreading pungent scents like garlic powder or chili powder, or using commercial repellents containing ingredients like capsaicin or predator urine.
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Use rabbit-repelling liquids
Rabbit repellent liquids are an effective way to deter rabbits from eating your plants. These repellents are available in granular and liquid formulas, and they work by incorporating fear, scent, and taste-based technology to prevent unwanted rabbit browsing. It is important to note that there is no guaranteed timeframe for any repellent to work completely. However, deterrence will start as soon as the product is installed or applied. Ultrasonic rabbit repellents are one of the most effective devices available.
When using rabbit-repelling liquids, it is recommended to apply them liberally to plants and their perimeter. Saturate the soil, plants, and surrounding areas. Repeat this process once a week for three weeks, and then apply approximately once a month for maintenance. This consistent application will help train rabbits to avoid treated areas. It is also important to switch up the types of repellents used to keep the rabbits from getting used to a particular smell.
There are various rabbit repellent products available in Australia, such as sprays, concentrates, and ultrasonic devices. Nature's MACE, for example, offers a repellent that is safe for both plants and the environment and is trusted by gardeners, landscapers, and homeowners. Envirobug is another Australian brand that offers an ultrasonic repellent that is safe for children and pets.
In addition to commercial repellents, some people opt for homemade mixtures. One such mixture includes 5 pounds of cheap flour mixed with 1 cup of sevin 5%. However, it is important to note that this mixture may not be suitable for organic growers.
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Plant rabbit-resistant plants
If you're looking for a more natural way to deter rabbits, planting flowers and shrubs that rabbits don't like can be an effective strategy. While no plant is entirely rabbit-proof, there are several plants that rabbits tend to avoid. These include:
- Daffodils
- Irises
- Marigolds
- Daylilies
- Foxglove
- Vincas
- Geraniums
- Lavender
- Yarrow
- Rosemary
- Onions
- Garlic
These plants not only add beauty to your garden but also help to deter rabbits from feasting on your other plants.
In addition to planting rabbit-resistant plants, you can also try spreading pungent scents that rabbits dislike, such as garlic powder, chilli powder, or coffee grounds.
It's worth noting that combining multiple strategies is often the most effective approach to protecting your garden from rabbits. For example, you could pair rabbit-resistant plants with other methods like fencing or commercial repellents.
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Employ natural deterrents
Employing natural deterrents is an effective way to stop rabbits from eating your plants. These deterrents are safe for your plants and the environment and can be combined with other strategies for maximum protection.
One natural method is to use strong scents that repel rabbits. For example, spreading a mixture of garlic powder and chilli powder around the perimeter of your garden can deter rabbits with its strong odour. You can also try using coffee grounds, which rabbits dislike the smell of. Place used coffee grounds in several small plastic plant containers and anchor them to the ground with bamboo stakes.
Another natural method is to plant rabbit-resistant plants in your garden. This can reduce the likelihood of damage to your other plants. Examples of rabbit-resistant plants include daffodils, lavender, vincas, yarrow, rosemary, marigolds, geraniums, irises, foxglove, and onions. These plants can be used to mask the scent of plants that rabbits do like.
You can also try using visual deterrents, such as scarecrows or owl decoys, which signal predators to rabbits. Motion-activated sprinklers can also startle rabbits and discourage them from returning.
Finally, good housekeeping in your yard can make your garden less hospitable to rabbits. Remove any brush piles, tall grasses, and rocky areas, as well as fill in any burrows leading under structures.
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Commercially available repellents
Several commercially available repellents can effectively deter rabbits. Look for products containing ingredients like capsaicin or predator urine, such as coyote urine. These products typically require spraying the perimeter of your garden and the areas around your plants, and some can even be applied directly to the plants. It is important to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and reapplication, which is usually required after rain or every few weeks for continuous protection.
One such reliable product is Liquid Fence, which contains rotten eggs. However, it is important to note that you should not directly spray vegetables or fruits that you plan to consume if your repellent contains non-edible ingredients.
In addition to commercial repellents, there are also natural deterrents you can try. For example, rabbits dislike the strong odour of garlic, so spreading a mixture of garlic powder and chilli powder around the perimeter of your garden can be effective. You can also try using coffee grounds, which rabbits find unappealing. Place used plastic plant containers filled with coffee grounds in your vegetable beds and anchor them with bamboo stakes.
While fencing may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option, it is one of the most effective ways to keep rabbits out of your garden. A well-built, rabbit-proof fence can drastically reduce the number of rabbits eating your plants. For a ground-level garden, installing a fence can be labour-intensive, but it will last for years and provide permanent protection. Ensure that the fence is made of heavy wire, with openings no greater than one inch to prevent baby rabbits from squeezing through. Burying the bottom 2 to 3 inches of the fence underground is also recommended, as rabbits may attempt to dig underneath.
Overall, combining multiple strategies, such as fencing, repellents, and natural deterrents, will give you the best chance of successfully keeping rabbits away from your plants.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to keep rabbits out of your garden is to install fencing. A metre-high chicken wire fence with 1-inch mesh or smaller openings is best, and it should be buried at least 6 inches underground to prevent rabbits from digging underneath.
Natural deterrents such as garlic, chilli powder, lavender, marigolds, and rotten eggs can be spread around the perimeter of your garden to repel rabbits with their strong odour.
Rabbits tend to avoid plants with strong scents, such as basil, garlic, rhubarb, hot peppers, spicy basil, and mint. They may also be deterred by plants such as daffodils, lavender, yarrow, rosemary, onions, and marigolds.
If fencing is not an option, you can use motion-activated sprinklers or scare devices like owl decoys to startle rabbits and discourage them from entering your garden. Keeping your garden free of brush piles, tall grass, and other hiding spots will also make it less appealing to rabbits.
Commercially available repellents containing ingredients like capsaicin, predator urine, or dried blood can effectively deter rabbits. Look for products like Liquid Fence, which is reliable and safe to use around pets and children.
