How to Rabbit Proof a Garden

Eliminate brush piles, tall weeds and debris within 4 feet of gardens. Remove any decorations or implements like wheelbarrows that could be used as hiding spots for curious rabbits. Seal any holes in building foundations or under decks.

Construct a 3-foot-tall fence from 1-inch hex or rabbit wire. Bury the bottom 6 inches of the fence or staple it to the ground using landscaping staples. Run three electric fence wires for especially problematic rabbits -- the bottom wire should be about 3 inches from the ground, the second 6 to 8 inches and the third 9 to 12 inches.

Garden using raised beds. Wrap the bed with wire or construct cages that fit over the plants you intend to grow. Make the cages large enough that they extend to the edges of the bed.

Apply organic deterrents such as blood meal, predator scents, animal lard or deer repellent around the edges of gardens. Rotate these substances -- rabbits are smart and will realize there is no real danger with chronic use of one type.

Spray individual plants with hot pepper spray. Blend 4 to 6 hot peppers of your choice with just enough water to make a slurry. Press this through a fine screen or cheesecloth and mix the liquid with a quart of water in a spray bottle. Add a drop of all-purpose glue to the mixture and shake well.

Trap rabbits when absolutely necessary using a live trap. Call your state's department of conservation to locate an area where you can legally release the animals. Handle wild rabbits with great care and only when wearing gloves and long sleeves -- they will kick and bite and can spread disease.

Hunt the rabbits in your garden with a pellet gun or small caliber rifle -- rabbits reproduce quickly, and hunting may be the only way to get a serious rabbit problem under control. Watch for rabbits near daybreak and sundown; these are the times they are most actively feeding. Serve rabbits soon after harvesting or find a neighbor who will use the meat before you begin the hunt.