More Rabbits in Seacoast Gardens — Tips to Save Your Flowers
Understanding Rabbit Damage in Your Garden
If you garden anywhere along the New Hampshire Seacoast—from Rye to Hampton and Hampton Falls—protecting your flowers from hungry rabbits is a must. These furry visitors can quickly damage your plants, frustrating homeowners and making it tough to keep your garden looking its best.
At Seacoast Gardener, we believe every yard deserves to flourish without unwanted critters nibbling away at your hard work. That’s why learning effective ways to keep rabbits out of your garden is so important—especially now, when rabbit activity is high and local gardeners are feeling the impact.
Why Rabbits Are Attracted to Your Garden
Rabbits are common garden visitors that can cause significant damage by feeding on a wide range of plants, especially tender new growth. They tend to target young shoots, flower buds, and soft leaves because these parts are easier to chew and full of nutrients.
Gardeners may notice signs such as neatly clipped stems just above the ground, missing or ragged leaves, and flowers that never fully bloom because the buds were eaten. This kind of damage not only affects the health of individual plants but can also leave your garden looking sparse and less colorful. For those investing time and care into their Seacoast gardens, rabbit damage can be particularly frustrating.
When Rabbit Damage Is Most Likely
Spring and early summer are peak times for rabbit feeding because new plant growth is abundant, tender, and especially appealing to rabbits. In the Seacoast region, relatively mild winters allow rabbits to remain active longer than in colder areas, which means they continue foraging well into the growing season. This extended activity increases the likelihood that rabbits will frequent gardens and nibble on plants.
Signs of Rabbit Activity
To spot rabbit activity in your garden, keep an eye out for these common signs:
Cleanly nipped stems: Rabbits tend to clip plant stems neatly about 1 to 3 inches above the ground.
Missing flower buds or ragged leaves: Rabbits often eat flower buds before they bloom and chew leaves unevenly, leaving jagged edges.
Rabbit droppings: Small, round, dark pellets scattered near your plants or along garden paths.
Tracks or footprints: After rain or in soft soil, look for small oval tracks—larger hind feet with smaller front paw prints.
How to Keep Rabbits Out of Your Garden
Here are some effective and easy-to-implement steps you can take:
Use coffee grounds and cayenne pepper: Sprinkle this mix around your flower beds to deter rabbits naturally. Reapply after rainfall.
Install physical barriers: A 2-foot-high fence buried a few inches into the ground can stop rabbits from getting in.
Plant rabbit-resistant species: Choose flowers like lavender, daffodils, or marigolds that rabbits tend to avoid.
Remove hiding spots: Keep the garden perimeter clean by clearing tall grass, brush, and debris.
When to Call a Professional
If rabbit damage becomes widespread or difficult to manage, it may be time to reach out to a local gardening expert. Professional help can ensure a long-term solution and protect your garden’s health and appearance throughout the season.
Help from Seacoast Gardener
If you’re unsure how to keep rabbits away—or need help designing a garden that’s less inviting to them—Seacoast Gardener is here to help. We offer expert plant protection, landscape design, and seasonal care services throughout southern New Hampshire. Let us help you enjoy a beautiful, rabbit-free yard all season long.
📞 (603) 770-5072 | 🌐 www.seacoastgardener.com