I have a small vegetable garden in back of my garage and my yard, though 95% fenced in, has a gap between the garage and house where the bunnies find their way to my veggies (they come in under the fence too!). I’ve considered enclosing the garden, but fencing is expensive, and, the space is too small to move around in if fenced.
The discouragement that comes from seeing my tender parsley and baby lettuce nipped to the stem by rabbits is too much! This year I’m trying a three-fold approach to growing a vegetable garden despite my hungry friends.
1. I’ve set up a set of half hoops, covered with garden fabric fixed with pins to the ground. I have one row planted with tender green and red leaf lettuce. This has worked so well that I’ve ordered another set and plan to set up another row with spinach, arugula and tender herbs. Hoops and fabric from Gardener’s Supply Company
2. I’ve moved all fruit to raised planters on my patio. I have blueberries and strawberries in a tall standing planter and a beautiful fig tree in a container. I’m hoping the planters are too tall for the bunnies to reach. Planters also from Gardener’s Supply Company
3. I’m growing only pungent herbs out in the open space of my garden. The bunnies don’t seem to touch rosemary, oregano, sage, thyme, chives, and scallions. And last year they didn’t touch my tomatoes (perhaps they were too far off the ground?) so I’m trying tomatoes in square cages again.
I’m encouraged that this will work, and hope the hoops and cloth help to deter later season pests as well. I’ll keep you posted!