Do Marigolds Really Keep Rabbits Away? My Experience as an Avid Gardener

As an avid gardener, I’ve tried multiple ways to keep rabbits out of my vegetable garden. Marigolds were one of my first choices because I heard their strong smell could deter rabbits. I planted them along the borders of my garden beds, expecting them to act as a natural barrier. While the marigolds did add a beautiful touch to my garden, I quickly realized they weren’t enough to stop determined rabbits from feasting on my tender plants.

Rabbits tend to avoid strong-smelling plants, but marigolds alone won’t be effective against a large bunny population. I had to implement other effective rabbit prevention methods, such as using chicken wire fencing, homemade rabbit repellent sprays, and natural predators like my pet cat. If you’re wondering whether marigolds can protect your garden, the answer is that they help but aren’t a complete solution. Combining multiple deterrents will give you the best results.

Understanding Rabbit Behavior

Rabbits are naturally attracted to gardens because they offer an easy food source and shelter. To effectively deter them, it’s important to understand their habits.

• Preferred Food: Rabbits love tender plants like lettuce, bean plants, and root vegetables.
• Activity Times: They are most active during dawn and dusk, making these the best times to check for damage.
• Hiding Spots: Tall grass, dense ground cover, and woodpiles provide ideal shelter for rabbits.

Effective Rabbit Prevention Methods

Marigolds alone won’t keep rabbits out, but these methods will help.

1. Install Physical Barriers:
   • Use a 2-foot fence made of 1-inch mesh chicken wire, buried 6 inches below ground to stop digging.
   • Surround valuable plants with a chicken wire cage for extra protection.
2. Use Natural and Commercial Repellents:
   • Make a homemade rabbit repellent using 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons of garlic powder, and water.
   • Sprinkle bloodmeal around plants to repel rabbits while fertilizing the soil.
   • Apply commercial repellents like Liquid Fence for long-term solutions.
3. Scare Tactics and Decoys:
   • Motion-activated sprinklers startle rabbits with sudden bursts of water.
   • Place decoy plants or plastic owls to trick rabbits into avoiding the area.
4. Maintain a Clean Garden Environment:
   • Trim tall grass and remove debris to eliminate hiding spots.
   • Keep vegetable beds neat to reduce rabbit attraction.

Product Reviews

1. Nature’s Mace Deer & Rabbit Repellent Spray

This repellent spray was an effective solution in keeping rabbits away from my garden beds. The strong smell lasted for weeks, even after rain.

Key Features:

• Made from natural ingredients, safe for pets and children.
• Works against both rabbits and deer.
• Easy-to-use spray application.
• Covers up to 1,400 square feet.
• Provides long-lasting protection.

✔️ Pros:

• Strong smell repels rabbits effectively.
• Does not harm plants.
• Easy to apply.

❌ Cons:

• Needs frequent reapplication after heavy rain.

2. Liquid Fence Deer & Rabbit Repellent

I found Liquid Fence to be one of the most reliable commercial repellents. It worked well when applied weekly.

Key Features:

• Creates a pungent smell that rabbits avoid.
• Rain-resistant formula.
• Non-toxic and safe for edible plants.
• Covers large areas with a single application.
• Made with biodegradable ingredients.

✔️ Pros:

• Effective for weeks.
• Safe for organic gardening.
• Works on other garden pests as well.

❌ Cons:

• Strong smell may be unpleasant to humans initially.

3. Rabbit Scram Granular Repellent

This granular repellent was easy to apply and kept my vegetable patches free from rabbits.

Key Features:

• All-natural formula, safe for pets.
• Rain-resistant and long-lasting.
• Covers a large area.
• Doesn’t require reapplication after every rainfall.
• Provides a strong deterrent scent.

✔️ Pros:

• No spraying required.
• Doesn’t wash away easily.
• Works well in both flower and vegetable gardens.

❌ Cons:

• Slightly expensive compared to sprays.

4. Orbit Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler

This scare tactic method worked wonders in my huge garden, especially for night-time rabbit activity.

Key Features:

• Detects motion within 40 feet.
• Uses short bursts of water to startle rabbits.
• Adjustable spray settings for different garden areas.
• Battery-operated for easy setup.
• Works against other pests like deer and squirrels.

✔️ Pros:

• Humane method of deterrence.
• Does not require chemicals.
• Covers a large area.

❌ Cons:

• Needs batteries.

5. Chicken Wire Fence Roll

Using a 1-inch mesh chicken wire was the most effective long-term solution.

Key Features:

• 4-foot-tall wire fence prevents rabbits from jumping over.
• Burying 6 inches below ground stops digging.
• Durable and weather-resistant material.
• Works for both small and large gardens.
• Protects from multiple garden pests.

✔️ Pros:

• Provides permanent protection.
• Cost-effective and eco-friendly solution.
• Can be used for vegetable patches and flower gardens.

❌ Cons:

• Requires installation effort.

Which Rabbit Repellent Should You Choose?

Each product has its strengths, but the best choice depends on your needs. If you want a natural deterrent that’s easy to use, Nature’s Mace Spray is a good option. If you need a long-term solution, a chicken wire fence is the most effective. For those dealing with persistent rabbit activity, a combination of Liquid Fence and Rabbit Scram Granules works best.

Final Thoughts

While marigolds can add a strong smell to your garden, they alone won’t keep rabbits away. The best way to protect your plants is to combine physical barriers, natural repellents, and scare tactics. A 1-inch mesh chicken wire fence combined with Liquid Fence spray is the most effective solution. If you’re dealing with a couple of rabbits, using a granular repellent alongside marigolds may be enough. For larger rabbit populations, a combination of deterrents will yield the best results.