You've got some tasty lettuce or cabbage, and next thing they're chomped down to nothing!

Could a rabbit be the culprit?

rabbit in garden common pest yellow hue facing forward

Fencing Out Garden Rabbits

In the desert lowlands here, fencing that's 36" high and buried at least 6-12" underground should suffice in preventing most rabbit issues.

Lower fencing should work for cottontails, but the jackrabbits push the fencing height requirement to the 36" range to keep them out.

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Remember, exclusion is the most effective long-term approach to keeping rabbits away from your garden.

fencing chain link with chicken wire and black plastic for garden pest prevention
Combo 5ft chain link fence, chicken wire on bottom half, with slick black plastic outside to prevent various pests from climbing.
Chicken wire can also be buried to help prevent digging.

Feed Them Too

Another option is to grow more of the crops that you notice rabbits eating. To provide enough for you and for them as well.

Of course, seeds, space, and water can be limited resource. Along with the usual limits on time and energy, you may not have the means to feed the local hare family.

Pesky rabbits love to gorge themselves on your lettuce and brassicas. If you do have the means, though, you can grow some crops just for them.

I know some gardeners who grow plants for the local wildlife outside their garden fence, so there's less to entice animals to try and climb over. Building a wildlife buffet outside your garden can keep them full and content enough not to attempt to gain access inside your garden fence.

Are You Allowed to Kill Rabbits in Your Garden?

One final important note: you should check with your state's game and fish department before using lethal or relocation methods in controlling rabbits.

There may be local laws and regulations limiting how you remove the rabbits. For example, in urban areas you cannot shoot wild animals in most cases.



As always, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Good luck out there and may your gardens prosper and be rabbit-free.

Looking for ways to control other garden pests naturally? Check out the full guide here.