Spending time in my garden has always been my little escape. During quiet moments, observing the plants and feeling the rhythm of nature helps me relax. But one morning, something caught my attention, tiny, clean-cut bites on my salad leaves, and similar signs on my marigolds.
Finally, I discovered that the culprits were small, curious rabbits visiting from nearby yards. While it was tempting to be frustrated, I also knew these gentle visitors deserved to be kept away without harm.
Without fancy tools or expensive fences, I realized the key was to understand rabbits’ behavior in the garden. They are drawn to soft leaves, young shoots, and safe hiding spots like tall grass or bushes.
Observing how they explore, nibble, and mark territory helped me plan simple, natural, and effective ways on how to keep rabbits out of the garden.
Here are 10 proven hacks based on this understanding, designed to protect plants while keeping rabbits safe.
How to Keep Rabbits Out of The Garden: 10 Tips That Really Works
1. Build a Rabbit-Proof Fence That Works
Rabbits aren’t built for high jumps or climbing, so a well-constructed fence can be your first line of defense.
Aim for about 3 feet (~90 cm) in height and use a fine wire mesh, chicken wire or welded wire with gaps no larger than an inch.
Bury the bottom 10–15 inches underground to block digging attempts. For extra security, a lightweight double-strand electric fence delivers a harmless zap, teaching rabbits to stay away.
Properly installed, this barrier isn’t just a deterrent, it’s a near-complete shield, proven to keep over 90% of rabbits out of the garden.
2. Guard Each Plant Individually
For delicate or newly planted seedlings, consider giving them personal protection. Small wire cages or enclosures around each plant prevent curious rabbits from nibbling the tender leaves.
Use one-inch mesh chicken wire or hardware cloth, and add a flexible floating row cover on top. This cover lets sunlight and water through while keeping rabbits out of the garden.
By shielding each plant individually, you create mini safe zones, ensuring even the most vulnerable greenery survives.
3. Plant Aromatic Herbs Rabbits Avoid
Not all plants are equally tempting. Rabbits tend to avoid strong-smelling herbs like garlic, scallions, mint, and basil.
Fragrant shrubs such as lavender and rosemary can also act as natural repellents. These plants not only protect your garden but also enhance its beauty and utility.
Choosing herbs that rabbits dislike is a subtle, chemical-free way to keep your garden safe while creating a sensory-rich, fragrant space.
But if this method is not working, you shouldd consider other methods to keep rabbits out off the garden.
4. Change the Environment (Keep Grass and Debris Clean)
Rabbits hide in tall grass, clover, and bushes. Keep lawns and gardens clean, mow the grass regularly, and remove surrounding piles of leaves or shrubs.
Remove rotting wood or brush piles that can provide hiding or nesting spots. Fill any holes or burrows under decks or patios. Reducing safe hiding spots discourages rabbits from staying in your garden.
5. Visual Deterrents
Shiny or moving objects can scare rabbits initially. Use wind spinners, hanging aluminum foil strips, or rubber snakes in your garden.
These items create motion and noise that immediately frighten rabbits, although they may get used to them after a few days. Move these visual elements periodically to maintain the “threat” perception.
6. Predator Scents or Hair
Rabbits instinctively sense danger from nearby predators, whether it’s the watchful eyes of a dog, the stealth of a fox, or the shadow of a bird of prey hovering above.
If possible, keep a pet dog or cat nearby, their presence alone can keep rabbits away from your garden. Collect hair from dogs or cats and place them in small bags around the garden.
Rabbits recognize the scent as a predator and avoid it. Commercial sprays based on fox or coyote urine are also available and can effectively help to keep rabbits out off the garden.
7. Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Motion-detecting sprinklers (e.g., Orbit Garden Enforcer) release a spray of water when detecting movement or heat.
The sudden water and noise scare rabbits effectively, causing them to run away. This method is entirely humane, relying on sound and water to deter them. Sprinklers like Contech or Orbit can protect up to approximately 1,000 sq. ft.
8. Homemade Spice Spray
A homemade solution using common spices can be effective. Mix five crushed garlic cloves in about 5 cups of water, add 2 tablespoons of red chili powder and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap.
Let the solution sit in sunlight for two days, then spray generously on plants. Reapply weekly or after rain. The strong spices irritate rabbits’ taste and sensory system, keeping them away from the garden within a few days.
9. Soap and Other Household Methods
Rabbits avoid strong odors. Wrap pieces of Irish Spring soap in cloth and hang them around the garden. The strong scent repels rabbits and keep them out of the garden quickly. Sprinkle black pepper, garlic powder, or allspice around plants.
Refresh the application after rain or every two weeks to maintain effectiveness. These methods are completely natural, safe, and work solely through scent deterrence.
10. Commercial Repellents
Several non-toxic repellents are available in the market. For example, Liquid Fence Deer & Rabbit is made from eggs, garlic, and herbs; its smell prevents rabbits from reaching plants.
It is safe for plants and animals and remains effective even in rain. Another highly effective product is Plantskydd, which contains dried animal blood and red pepper.
Studies show Plantskydd is extremely effective. Follow the instructions carefully, and these sprays can keep rabbits out of gardens for several weeks.
How to keep rabbits out of the garden?
By observing rabbit behavior, what they eat, where they hide, and how they move, you can choose targeted methods like fencing, repellents, or decoy gardens to protect your plants safely and naturally.
What scares rabbits away from gardens?
Rabbits are naturally afraid of predators like dogs, foxes, and birds of prey. Sudden movements, bright or shiny objects, and motion-activated sprinklers can also startle them and keep them away from gardens.
What do rabbits hate the most?
Rabbits dislike strong smells and tastes. Plants like garlic, onion, lavender, rosemary, and chili can act as natural repellents. They also hate unfamiliar objects or loud noises in their environment.
Do coffee grounds keep rabbits away?
Yes! The strong smell of coffee grounds is unpleasant to rabbits. Sprinkling used coffee grounds around tender plants or along garden borders can help deter them naturally without harming the plants or rabbits.
What scent do rabbits hate in the garden?
Rabbits hate the scent of predators and pungent herbs. Lemon, orange peels, garlic, and certain commercially available predator-scent sprays work effectively to keep rabbits away.
Sources:
