The deer fence is proving itself highly effective, but it certainly doesn’t keep out the bunnies living under the garden shed. After seeing at least 2 of them, my first thought was, “What to do about the bunnies?” 

Super cute to super destructive

Of course, Grant and the boys thought they were super cute when they first spotted them. And they are. I was happy to see them near the shed… as long as they stayed there. But they didn’t. Last week, one was hiding in between the potatoes hoping we didn’t see it. 

Rabbits can do a tremendous amount of damage in the garden, although you don’t often catch them in the act. They prefer to feed in the early mornings or late evenings. And, if you’re wondering whether a leaf was nibbled by a rabbit or an insect, it’s easy to tell the difference. Insects often leave jagged edges. Rabbits sheer off those leaves and stems offering no doubt on who is eating the plant. 

Bring out the smelly stuff

If you’re wondering what to do about the bunnies, you can start with the least obtrusive options. There are numerous concoctions to offend their olfactory senses. Many gardeners plant onions and garlic along the edges, or sprinkle an onion juice around favorite plantings. Red pepper flakes, blood meal, or a commercial product are also used. 

There are some who recommend moth balls or even spraying plants with a mixture of a strong-smelling cleaner and water. I would discourage both as they are harmful for pets, and can damage plants. 

Develop a relocation program

While rabbits might inspire you to madness, you don’t necessarily have to resort to draconian measures. Rabbits can be captured with live traps and relocated, although it might be difficult to find a place to put them that doesn’t pose a problem for others. Baiting is the trick. There is so much in the garden that is fresh and yummy. Think of particularly delicious options, such as applies or carrots. Set the trap where you know the rabbits travel. Tuck it in the high grass along their pathway, in the shrubs, or through the area they are traveling into your garden. Check the trap often. You don’t want the rabbit to be without water and stressed, particularly in hot weather. 

Fencing and organic repellents for deer and rabbits

Putting the run on the rabbits

At the moment, I’m not doing anything about the bunnies. Our dog, Luna, puts the rabbits on the run anytime she sees them. And even our new kitten, the one the boys rescued when they found her skinny and snotty nosed where I keep my horse, thinks chasing bunnies is a fun game. I doubt if she’s going to catch one anytime soon, or even know what to do with it if she does, but she keeps them moving. 

Additional fencing

If, or when, they do become an issue, I’ll use chicken wire along the bottom of the deer fence, burying it a good 6 inches. From the little burrows underneath the garden shed, it’s obvious they’re good at digging. Keep that in mind when creating any sort of barrier. 

I admit it, I do love watching the baby bunnies. I’m also practical. As long as they’re not wreaking havoc we’re going to have a truce. The test will be once our lush greenery matures when the rain stops. Will the bunnies behave? I’ll let you know if a few weeks.