3 Expert Methods for Keeping Rabbits from Eating All of Your Garden Plants

While rabbits may appear cute and innocent, they can seriously damage your garden plants. These hopping herbivores feed on leaves, stems, flowers, grass, and vegetables. Rabbits often eat young plants and seedlings and enjoy munching on herbs and leafy greens. 

“Rabbits have a particular fondness for tender greens, vegetables, and certain flowers,” says Zahid Adnan, gardening expert and founder of The Plant Bible. “They can decimate crops like lettuce, beans, peas, and carrots, as well as flowers such as tulips and pansies.”

If you’re a gardener, keeping your plants safe from rabbits will help them grow healthy and flourish. Read on to learn more about how to rabbit-proof your plants with tips from gardening and pest control experts. 

Install Fencing

“Fencing is one of the most effective methods to deter rabbits from accessing your precious plants,” says Adnan. He recommends opting for wire fencing with small gaps (about 1 inch or less) to prevent rabbits from squeezing through and adds, "Chicken wire or hardware cloth are excellent options. Ensure the fencing is at least 2 to 3 feet high to discourage rabbits from jumping over.”

Chicken wire is an affordable fencing option to ward off rabbits. When shopping for chicken wire, choose galvanized or PVC-coated wire for better rust resistance. If you have a persistent rabbit problem, hardware cloth offers a more durable and escape-proof fence than chicken wire. Hardware cloth is optimal if your garden is plagued by many rabbits or other burrowing animals. It is more expensive than chicken wire but can offer better protection for your garden. 

When installing fencing, bend the bottom edge of the fence at a 90-degree angle with the wire bent outward to create an L shape. Dig as deep as you can—at least 6 inches—to bury the fence underground. The bent underground wire will help prevent rabbits from digging under the fence. 

“Ensure the bottom is buried 6 inches underground and bends outward to prevent digging,” says Steve Sylva, owner of Steve’s Services, a landscaping company based in Malden, MA. “Regular maintenance is crucial—check for any gaps or damages regularly.”

Use Natural Deterrents

Natural rabbit deterrents can safely repel rabbits from your garden while preserving the health of your plants and environment. When using natural methods, it is best to combine a few strategies to protect your garden.

Apply Pungent Scents

First, try spreading pungent scents that repel rabbits. “Spread a mixture of garlic powder and chili powder around the perimeter of your garden, as rabbits dislike the strong odor,” Adnan says. 

Choose the Right Plants

Adding certain plants to your garden can also stave off rabbits. “Incorporating rabbit-resistant plants into your garden can reduce the likelihood of damage,” says Adnan. “Examples include daffodils, lavender, yarrow, and rosemary."

However, according to him, no plant is entirely rabbit-proof, so diversifying your garden with a mix of resistant plants and deterrent methods is key. Marigolds, daffodils, yarrow, lavender, rosemary, onions, and garlic are all-natural deterrents for rabbits, too.

Try Commercial Repellents

You may need a more potent solution if natural methods do not deter rabbits from entering your garden. Commercial rabbit repellents have pungent smells that can ward off rabbits. 

“Several commercially available repellents can effectively deter rabbits,” Adnan says. “Look for products containing ingredients like capsaicin or predator urine. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for application and reapplication, typically after rain or every few weeks for continuous protection.”

Most commercial repellent products require spraying the perimeter of your garden and the areas around your plants. Some can also be applied directly to plants. “For commercial repellents, Liquid Fence is reliable,” Sylva says. “Follow the product instructions and reapply after rain.”

Other Strategies You Can Try

You can try other tactics to discourage rabbits from feeding on your plants. If you have a dog, your pet may serve as a natural deterrent and will chase rabbits away. However, this benefit can be outweighed if your dog digs in your yard or tramples your plants. 

“Additional strategies include motion-activated sprinklers and scare devices like owl decoys,” Sylva says. “These can startle rabbits and discourage them from frequenting the garden, adding an extra layer of protection.”

Visual deterrents like scarecrows or owl decoys can ward off rabbits as they signal predators. This is not a foolproof strategy but can help when combined with other deterrent methods. 

You can also modify 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.