How to Keep Rabbits Out of Your Tomato Plants

Rabbits can cause serious damage to your tomato plants. They can not only eat the leaves, flowers, and fruits but also gnaw the stems and trunks, which can kill the plants altogether. Therefore, it's essential to take measures to keep these cute but voracious creatures out of your vegetable garden. Here are some tips on how to do that:

Fence Off Your Garden

The most effective way to keep rabbits out of your tomato plants is to build a sturdy fence around your garden. The fence should be at least 2 feet high and buried at least 6 inches beneath the soil to prevent rabbits from digging under it. You can use chicken wire, hardware cloth, or woven wire mesh to construct the fence. Make sure the openings in the mesh are no larger than 1 inch, so rabbits cannot squeeze through. Also, consider installing a gate that closes securely to block the rabbits' entrance.

Use Barriers

If you don't want to fence off your entire garden, you can use barriers to protect your tomato plants selectively. One of the most effective barriers is a cylinder made of hardware cloth or chicken wire. The cylinder should be at least 18 inches high and 6 inches in diameter, and buried at least 4 inches into the soil to prevent rabbits from burrowing under it. Put the cylinder around each plant and secure it with stakes or rocks to keep it in place. Another option is to use plastic or nylon mesh netting to cover the tomato plants. The netting should be draped over the plants and held down with stakes or rocks, leaving enough space for air circulation and watering.

Make Your Garden Less Attractive to Rabbits

Rabbits are attracted to gardens that provide them with food, water, and shelter. Therefore, if you reduce or eliminate these resources, you can discourage them from coming to your garden. Here are some ways to do that:

Plant rabbit-resistant plants, such as marigolds, garlic, onions, or hot peppers, around your tomato plants.

Eliminate low-growing bushes or weeds that provide hiding places for rabbits.

Remove fallen fruits or vegetables promptly, so rabbits don't get tempted to nibble on them.

Install a birdbath or fountain to provide a source of water that rabbits cannot access.

Try Repellents

If fencing, barrier, or garden management is not enough to keep rabbits out of your tomato plants, you can use repellents to make them less appealing. There are several types of repellents you can use, such as:

Chemical repellents, such as coyote or fox urine, predator scent, or capsaicin spray, which can be sprayed around your garden or directly on your tomato plants.

Natural repellents, such as vinegar, garlic, or human hair, which can be scattered around your garden or placed in pouches near your tomato plants.

Electronic repellents, such as motion-activated sprinklers, noise-makers, or strobe lights, which can startle rabbits and make them flee.

However, keep in mind that repellents might not work for all rabbits, and some may get used to them over time. Therefore, it's best to use repellents in combination with other preventive measures.

Conclusion

Rabbits can be a persistent threat to your tomato plants, but with a little effort, you can protect them from becoming rabbit food. Whether you fence off your garden, use barriers, make your garden less attractive, or try repellents, it's crucial to take action before the rabbits take over. Happy gardening!