By Ty Booker-Griffin — Written on Sep 15, 2022

Gardening is becoming more prevalent among families as a bonding tool, money saver, and way to unplug and reconnect with Mother Earth. How gratifying is it to have your homegrown produce be the star of the dinner spread?

Just as there are tons of benefits to be gained from gardening, there can be a crushing downside — pests. And one of the most rascally garden thieves you may have to deal with is rabbits.

Imagine working tirelessly, fertilizing, pruning, weeding, and watering your prized pasture, just to have it invaded by Peter Cottontail and his crew.

Now, before you go Full Metal Jacket and prepare for war, think of what that means for the rabbit and your garden. Generally gentle creatures, rabbits are known as a sign of good luck. Fortunately, there are ways to keep them out of your garden without collecting a rabbit's foot for a keychain.

Using harmful substances such as poisons, fumigation tools, or pesticides could potentially be harmful to you and your family. Not to mention the fact that purchasing all of those items and their accessories can be expensive.

RELATED: 12 Health Benefits Of Growing Plants In And Around Your Home​

Let's stick to natural ways that are cost-effective and non-toxic.

Following the four simple tips below will help keep the rabbits out, saving your garden and your wallet.

Rabbits have a strong dislike for the scent that coffee can emit. Used coffee grounds can be used as a great compost, and while you're at it, spread the used grounds in the soil to send the rabbits hopping away from your plants.

If you brew coffee at home daily, take the grounds and place them in a container. Then, spread the grounds evenly around the area where you're seeing the most rabbit traffic

If you like to grab your cup of joe while in transit, then ask your local coffee shop to allow you to take the grounds from the previous day's brews.

Not a coffee drinker? You can grab some coffee beans or grounds, and follow the same process. Be mindful to mix carefully within the soil.

RELATED: 100 Fun Hobbies To Pick Up When You Need A Little Change In Life

Rabbits are attracted to the plants they love to eat. Keep them away by planting herbs with a strong smell outside of your garden's perimeter. No matter the type of garden you have — container, raised bed, or rows, the pests will come.

Herbs like mint, rosemary, and basil may be aromatic to us, but the smell has the opposite effect on rabbits. You can plant the herbs in a container or directly into the soil. Either way, create a barrier around your garden to help repel our furry friends.

Herbs have a tendency to take over. Keep a daily routine of harvesting and pruning the herb plants so that they don't overtake your garden.

RELATED: 7 Easy-To-Learn Garden Grow Kits Anyone Can Master (No Green Thumb Required)

I know what you're thinking — give the bunny a bath? Not quite. Soaps that have a strong smell can deter rabbits from wanting to enter the garden.

There are a couple ways to get this trick to work.

Carefully observe your plants in the days and weeks after to see if there is improvement in the destruction.

RELATED: How To Grow An Indoor Garden When You Have No Outdoor Space

If you plan to frequent your garden multiple times a day, you can do this a bit differently.

The same smell will come from the mixture as the method above. Either way, the bunnies are not fans of the odor and will keep out of your garden.

Background image: Thinkstock Images from Photo Images via Canva

Whether you're a master gardener or just adding a little green to your thumbs, these tips will help you keep the rabbits out of your garden and the produce on your table.

RELATED: 5 Gardening Zodiac Signs Who Have A Green Thumb

Ty Booker-Griffin is an Associate Editor and writer for YourTango.

The content produced by YourTango is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website services, content and products are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your doctor before taking any action. See additional information

© 2022 by Tango Publishing Corporation All Rights Reserved.