These pesky rabbits again
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These pesky rabbits again

by Jumoke
(Nebraska)

Clipped marigold next to a plant sprayed with liquid fence

Clipped marigold next to a plant sprayed with liquid fence

We live uphill from the neighborhood park filled with what should be great rabbit food. But these rabbits love gourmet food! I was reading Doug's stories and I thought I would add some about these pesky animals. There are miles and miles of great looking lawn that could provide food which of course they avoid like the plague.

I have tried it all. Liquid fence, pepper spray, garlic pegs, home-made concoctions applied real early but these are only effective in denting my wallet and making me sneeze incessantly. I even tried a foul smelling expensive mixture of rotten eggs and dried blood that only succeeded in causing me to gag. I am not sure I can convince my husband to assist me in marking my territory!

I read that marigolds would keep them away. These creatures have developed strange food cravings just like humans. They use marigolds as dental floss, day lily buds serve as appetizer, hardy geranium as desert and black-eyed susan as entree. It's more upsetting that they don't really eat these plants. They just clip the plants and move on to the next plant! Ouch!

You will notice that I have not mentioned fencing! I did fence off a part of the backyard where I planted the roses because they were serving as rabbit chewing gum for the baby bunnies which were constantly nibbling the lower leaves. Well the river birch tree we planted for shade grew tall, shading the fenced area so I had to move the roses to a sunny location. Guess what? The rabbits now hold a perpetual rose party. I have decided that once these are nibbled to death I will no longer plant roses.

I am about to lose it! I planted some of the nibbled day lilies two years ago and I have been anxiously waiting for the first flowers.

If anyone finds a rabbit solution besides ?marking the territory? or shooting at them do share. I actually had to stop myself from running after rabbits. As if I could catch them. My son asked me how I would feel and what I would do if twenty feet tall aliens descended to earth from Mars, built strange houses and grew a variety of human food outside the houses. I asked him what he was talking about. He told me we humans were aliens on rabbit land!

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These pesky rabbits again

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Those darling bunnies
by: Lorra

As far as I know there is only one resident rabbit here. However ... the raccoon and possum make up for that lack. Then there is Earl and his large squirrel family that get ALL the walnut and hickory nuts, and even have the nerve to plant them in my flower pots! (If discovered in time, those are mine!) But ... they are nothing compared to the MOLES.
I discovered another mountain in my yard this morning. After exhaustive methods of blocking their passage through the flower beds, I am now trying castor oil. I carefully remove all the mound of soil, try to find the main hole they used then pour gobs of sand down it, squirt a mixture of castor oil, water and detergent into the hole then cover it up to soil level. The extra soil will usually be just right for filling a large mole-dent somewhere in the yard. Maybe today’s mound is in retribution for the two holes I lubricated last night?
Re Pesky Rabbits
by: Jumoke

Hi Heather,
Plesae explain how to corner them with the pots! I am ready to try anything including sitting in the garden day and night. Did you know that they like sunflower plant as well!
Dang Rabbits!
by: Heather G.

As a Michigan gardener I have discovered the following:

Marigolds, for the most part do NOT deter the rabbits. In fact, Michigan rabbits think marigolds are nature's candy.

I have found that doing the following works:

Planting onion sets, chives and garlic in both the vegetable and flower garden - BONUS lovely foliage and color (especially from the chives)

Collaring the vegetable plants with home made "bunny guards" made from two gallon black pots. This allows me to plant without being limited by a fence.

I will admit however I still have to grow my lettuce in large patio pots - the first time was because of the rabbits - now I do it because I just have to step outside my kitchen door to retrieve the fresh greens.

Hope this helps!




Pesky Wrabbit
by: Marie

I am in wholehearted sympathy. I still run after them like a crazed garden maniac. (I didn't know rabbits could jump that high!)

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