Question of the Week: Keep Rabbits at Bay

Q: I have Moonshine yarrow in my yard, but rabbits are eating it. Isn’t yarrow supposed to be rabbit-resistant? What can I do?

A: You're right, Moonshine yarrow is typically rabbit-resistant. However, with the current drought in Santa Fe, desperate rabbits might nibble on anything available. I’ve even seen them munch on Chamisa and four-winged saltbush.

What can you do?

Here are a few options to protect your plants:

Repellents: Use a rabbit/deer repellent available at garden centers or home improvement stores, or make your own.

Homemade Repellents:

Ground Pepper: Sprinkle red pepper, black pepper, cayenne, or paprika around your garden. The strong scent will deter rabbits.

Kitty Litter: If you have a cat, its presence or even its droppings can keep rabbits away. Sprinkle kitty litter around the targeted plants.

Marigolds: Planting marigolds can naturally repel rabbits as they tend to avoid these flowers.

Metal Wire Cage: If a plant has already been nibbled on, protect it with a metal wire cage to give it a chance to regrow.

Let us know how these tips work for you! Good luck!