Rabbit Control in Garden (6263)

There are a variety of methods available to keep rabbits out of the garden. Dried blood meal is an effective rabbit repellent if sprinkled around the edges of the garden. Unfortunately, it will wash away after several days and must be re-applied. Continual use of this natural fertilizer throughout the summer is likely to cause the nutrients to become unbalanced in your garden, resulting in reduced flowering and harvests.

Mothballs or moth crystals are a popular method, but are usually not effective. In addition, this chemical is rather toxic and could be dangerous if swallowed. Wood ashes around the garden have been successful, but tend to increase the alkalinity of the soil.

The best protection from rabbits is to fence in the garden. Use 3 foot_high poultry netting or chicken wire with the bottom 6 inches bent outward at a right angle. Bury this part of the fence with about a half-inch of soil. When the rabbit tries to burrow under your fence, he will be standing on what he's trying to dig through. The resulting 2_-foot fence is higher than a rabbit can jump.

To reduce the area that needs to be fenced, plant your potatoes, tomatoes, and squash outside of the fence, since rabbits will likely not eat these vegetables. Onions are usually safe outside of the fence also, but may occasionally be eaten.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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