What Greens Do Rabbits Eat – Your Ultimate Guide To A Rabbit-Resistant

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

There’s a special kind of heartbreak every gardener knows. You’ve spent weeks nurturing your tender lettuce starts, watching them unfurl into beautiful, crisp leaves. Then, one morning, you walk out with your coffee to find them mown down to sad little nubs. The culprit? A fluffy-tailed, long-eared visitor who sees your garden as an all-you-can-eat buffet.

It’s a frustrating, all-too-common scene. But what if you could finally understand exactly what these creatures are after? What if you could design a garden that both protects your prized veggies and even coexists peacefully with your local wildlife? I promise, it’s not only possible, but it can also make you a smarter, more strategic gardener.

This comprehensive what greens do rabbits eat guide will walk you through everything. We’ll uncover the greens rabbits crave, the ones they turn their noses up at, and share proven, eco-friendly strategies to protect your hard work. Get ready to turn your frustration into a flourishing, beautiful garden.

Understanding the Rabbit’s Palate: More Than Just Carrots

First, let’s bust a myth popularized by cartoons: while rabbits might nibble on a carrot, it’s not their primary food. Carrots are high in sugar and should be considered a treat. Wild rabbits thrive on a diet of fresh and dried grasses, wildflowers, and, most importantly for us gardeners, leafy weeds and greens.

Their diet is high in fiber and relatively low in calories, which means they need to eat a lot, and often. Young, tender, and succulent new growth is particularly irresistible. This is why your brand-new seedlings are often the first victims. Understanding this craving for tender greens is the first step in protecting your garden.

The benefits of what greens do rabbits eat for their health are immense—they provide essential vitamins, minerals, and hydration. This natural drive for nutritious foliage is precisely what leads them into our carefully cultivated vegetable patches.

The Rabbit Buffet: Greens They Absolutely Love (And You Need to Protect)

If you’re growing any of the plants on this list, consider them at high risk for a rabbit visit. This is the “five-star restaurant” section of your garden from a rabbit’s perspective. You’ll need to be extra vigilant in protecting these tasty treasures.

Leafy Greens and Lettuces

These are the absolute favorites. Their tender leaves and high water content make them a delicious and hydrating meal.

  • Lettuce varieties: Romaine, Butterhead, and Leaf lettuces are particularly beloved.
  • Spinach: Young spinach leaves are a prime target.
  • Swiss Chard: Rabbits will happily devour both the leaves and the crunchy stems.
  • Arugula: Its peppery taste doesn’t deter them in the slightest.
  • Kale: Especially young, tender kale plants are at risk.

Delicious Herbs

Many gardeners are surprised to learn that rabbits have a taste for aromatic herbs. Don’t assume these are safe!

  • Parsley: Both flat-leaf and curly varieties are a delicacy.
  • Cilantro: Another favorite that can disappear overnight.
  • Dill: Its feathery leaves are no match for a hungry bunny.
  • Basil: While some rabbits avoid it, many find it quite tasty.

Vegetable Tops and Other Delights

Rabbits don’t just eat the leaves; they often go for the entire plant, including the tasty tops of root vegetables.

  • Carrot Tops: They often prefer the feathery green tops to the root itself.
  • Beet Greens: A highly nutritious and sought-after treat.
  • Broccoli and Cauliflower: They will eat the leaves and the tender, young florets.
  • Peas and Beans: The entire young plant, from the leaves to the tender shoots, is a target.
  • Clover and Dandelions: If you have these “weeds” in your lawn, they can act as a natural deterrent, keeping rabbits busy and away from your garden beds.
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Your Garden’s Armor: Plants Rabbits Tend to Avoid

Now for the good news! There are many beautiful and delicious plants that rabbits typically leave alone. Planting these strategically can help protect your more vulnerable crops. Rabbits are often repelled by plants with strong smells, fuzzy or prickly textures, or those that are toxic to them.

Aromatic and Pungent Plants

The strong odors from these plants can confuse a rabbit’s sense of smell, making it harder for them to locate their favorite snacks.

  • Alliums: Garlic, onions, leeks, and chives are almost always safe from rabbits.
  • Strong Herbs: Mint, rosemary, lavender, sage, and thyme are excellent choices.
  • Marigolds: A classic companion plant known for its pungent scent that deters many pests, including rabbits.

Plants with Prickly or Fuzzy Textures

Rabbits dislike the feeling of certain textures in their mouths, making these plants a less appealing option.

  • Squash and Cucumber Vines: The slightly prickly leaves and vines are often left alone.
  • Lamb’s Ear: Its fuzzy, soft texture is a major deterrent.
  • Poppies: Most varieties have a texture rabbits dislike.

Potentially Toxic Plants (Use with Caution)

Many common garden plants are toxic to rabbits, and they instinctively know to avoid them. It is crucial to be aware of these if you have pets or children.

  • Rhubarb: The leaves are highly toxic.
  • Potatoes and Tomatoes: The leaves and stems of these nightshade plants are poisonous.
  • Peppers: Both sweet and hot pepper plants are generally safe from rabbits.
  • Foxglove, Daffodils, and Tulips (bulbs): Many popular ornamental flowers are toxic and avoided.

What Greens Do Rabbits Eat? A Strategic Guide to Garden Protection

Knowing what rabbits eat is only half the battle. Now you need a plan. Here are some of the what greens do rabbits eat best practices for keeping your garden safe, from simple tricks to more permanent solutions. You don’t have to do everything; find what works for your space and budget.

H3: Fencing is Your Best Defense

The most effective way to protect your garden is with a physical barrier. Don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be an eyesore!

  1. Choose the Right Material: Use chicken wire or hardware cloth with openings no larger than one inch.
  2. Get the Height Right: A fence should be at least 2 feet (24 inches) high to prevent rabbits from jumping over it.
  3. Go Underground: Rabbits are excellent diggers. You must bury the fence at least 6 inches deep or bend it outward in an L-shape along the ground to stop them from burrowing under.

H3: Strategic Planting and Repellents

You can also outsmart rabbits by using their own preferences against them. This is a key part of learning how to what greens do rabbits eat in a way that works for you, not against you.

  • Companion Planting: Plant a border of marigolds, onions, or garlic around your lettuce patch. The strong smell can act as a natural, beautiful fence.
  • Natural Repellents: Sprinkle cayenne pepper, chili powder, or pet hair around your vulnerable plants. You’ll need to reapply after it rains.
  • Elevated Beds: Planting in raised beds that are at least 2 feet high can make your greens much harder for rabbits to reach.

Creating a Rabbit-Friendly Space: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Gardening

Sometimes, the best defense is a good offense. If you have the space, you might consider a more harmonious approach. This is where sustainable what greens do rabbits eat strategies come into play, fostering a healthier ecosystem in your backyard.

Consider planting a small “sacrificial patch” away from your main vegetable garden. This patch can be filled with things rabbits love, like clover, dandelions, and wild violets. This eco-friendly what greens do rabbits eat approach gives them a desirable food source, often luring them away from your prized produce.

This method can be surprisingly effective. By providing an easy, delicious meal, you reduce the pressure on your vegetable beds. It’s a wonderful way to support local wildlife while still ensuring you get to harvest your own food.

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Common Problems with What Greens Do Rabbits Eat and How to Solve Them

Even with the best plans, you might run into some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions.

Problem: My repellents stopped working!
Rabbits can become accustomed to smells over time. The solution is to vary your approach. Switch between different repellents (e.g., cayenne one week, garlic spray the next) to keep them on their toes.

Problem: A rabbit got through my fence!
Do a thorough inspection. Look for small gaps or areas where they might have dug underneath. Reinforce these weak spots. Remember to bury the fence at least 6 inches deep.

Problem: They are eating a plant they are “supposed” to dislike!
A very hungry rabbit isn’t picky. If food is scarce, especially in early spring or during a drought, they may eat things they’d normally avoid. This is a sign you may need to rely more on physical barriers like fencing rather than just repellent plants.

Frequently Asked Questions About What Greens Rabbits Eat

Will rabbits eat my tomato plants?

Generally, no. Rabbits instinctively avoid plants in the nightshade family, including the leaves and stems of tomato, potato, and pepper plants, as they are toxic. They might, however, take a nibble of a low-hanging ripe tomato, but they typically leave the plants themselves alone.

Is iceberg lettuce safe for rabbits?

While rabbits will eat it, iceberg lettuce is not a good choice for them, especially for pet rabbits. It is mostly water and has very little nutritional value. Worse, it can cause digestive issues like diarrhea. It’s better to stick to darker, leafier greens like romaine.

How high does a fence really need to be to keep rabbits out?

A fence should be a minimum of 24 inches (2 feet) tall. While some rabbits can jump higher, this height is sufficient for the common cottontail rabbit. The more critical part is burying the fence 6-10 inches underground to prevent them from digging under it, which is their preferred method of entry.

Do scare tactics like fake owls or shiny tape work?

These can work, but usually only for a short time. Rabbits are smart and will quickly realize that the fake owl hasn’t moved in a week and poses no threat. Motion-activated sprinklers can be more effective as they provide an unpredictable and unpleasant surprise.

Your Garden, Your Sanctuary

There you have it—your complete field guide to understanding the delicate dance between your garden and your neighborhood rabbits. Seeing your plants nibbled can be disheartening, but it doesn’t have to be a losing battle. By understanding what greens do rabbits eat, you can arm yourself with knowledge.

Whether you choose to build a fortress with fencing, plant a clever border of marigolds, or create a peaceful offering of clover, you now have the tools to protect your hard work. Don’t get discouraged! Every challenge in the garden is an opportunity to learn and grow smarter.

So go on, plant with confidence. You’ve got this. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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