Keeping Rabbits Out
Rabbits can cause serious damage to seedlings and young vegetables.
Unlike deer, they do not require a very tall fence.
Signs of Rabbit Damage
Look for:
- Cleanly clipped stems
- Young plants eaten near ground level
- Small round droppings
Rabbit feeding often looks neatly cut compared with ragged deer browsing.
Use Hardware Cloth or Small-Mesh Fencing
A fence around:
- 2 feet tall
can exclude many rabbits.
Bury the bottom edge several inches or bend it outward to discourage digging.
Protect Individual Plants
Use cages around:
- Young fruit trees
- Seedlings
- Tender shrubs
Remove Hiding Places
Rabbits like:
- Brush piles
- Dense weeds
- Tall grass
Reducing nearby cover may make the garden less attractive.
Repellents
Repellents can help temporarily.
Reapply after rain and follow label directions.
Raised Beds
Tall raised beds may reduce rabbit access, especially when combined with fencing.
GardenGrowz Tip
Rabbit exclusion is usually much easier than deer exclusion.
A low, well-secured barrier often solves the problem.