What to Plant to Keep Rabbits Away

If you're a gardener, you know that rabbits can be a real nuisance. They can quickly destroy all of your hard work, leaving you with nothing to show for it. While there are many ways to deter rabbits, one of the most effective methods is by planting certain types of flowers, herbs, and vegetables that they don't like. In this article, we'll explore some of the best plants to keep rabbits away from your garden.

Strong-Smelling Plants

Rabbits have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, and they avoid plants that have a strong aroma. Marigolds, for example, have a pungent scent that's unappealing to rabbits. Similarly, lavender, mint, and sage all have strong aromas that can help keep rabbits away. Planting these types of plants around the borders of your garden or in between your other plants can help deter rabbits from entering.

Spicy Plants

Rabbits are also deterred by plants that are spicy or hot. Chile peppers, for example, contain a chemical called capsaicin that makes them taste spicy to mammals. This chemical is undetectable to birds, however, so chile peppers can still be used in a bird-friendly garden. Other spicy plants that rabbits avoid include dill, fennel, and cilantro.

Fuzzy Plants

Rabbits don't like plants that have a fuzzy texture, such as lamb's ear. This plant has soft, silvery leaves that are unappealing to rabbits, and it also has a distinctive appearance that can add interest to your garden. Another fuzzy plant that rabbits avoid is catnip. While catnip may be attractive to cats, it has the opposite effect on rabbits.

Plants with Thorny or Sharp Leaves

Plants that have thorny or sharp leaves, such as roses or blackberry bushes, are also effective at keeping rabbits away. Rabbits are deterred by the prickly texture of these plants and will usually avoid them. However, it's important to be careful when planting thorny or sharp plants, as they can also be a hazard to humans and pets.

Tall Plants

Tall plants, such as sunflowers or corn, can also help keep rabbits away from your garden. Rabbits are wary of taller plants because they provide less cover for them to hide in. Additionally, tall plants can create a physical barrier that makes it more difficult for rabbits to access your garden.

In conclusion, there are many plants that can help keep rabbits away from your garden. By including strong-smelling plants, spicy plants, fuzzy plants, plants with thorny or sharp leaves, and tall plants in your garden design, you can create a natural barrier that deters rabbits from entering. While it may take some trial and error to find the right combination of plants for your specific garden, the effort is worth it to protect your hard work from those pesky rabbits.