Gardeners often face the frustration of finding their vegetables and flowers damaged by foraging rabbits. This challenge leads many to question which plants are safe from these persistent herbivores and whether strong-smelling herbs like garlic offer natural protection. Understanding the feeding habits of rabbits, particularly in relation to the pungent Allium sativum, is a key step in developing effective garden defense strategies.
Do Rabbits Consume Garlic?
Rabbits overwhelmingly avoid consuming garlic plants. They possess a highly developed sense of smell, which they use to identify potential food sources, and the intense, sharp odor of garlic acts as a powerful natural deterrent. This avoidance extends to the entire Allium family, meaning plants like onions, chives, leeks, and shallots are also generally left untouched.
Wild rabbits rarely consume these plants, making garlic a safe choice for cultivation even in areas with heavy rabbit pressure. This observation is consistent across various garden environments. The rabbits’ natural aversion makes garlic a valuable plant for gardeners seeking to protect their produce.
The Compounds That Deter Grazing
The mechanism behind the rabbit’s refusal to consume garlic lies in the plant’s distinct chemical composition. Garlic contains various sulfur compounds, which are responsible for its characteristic pungent smell and sharp taste. When a rabbit bites into a garlic leaf or bulb, the plant tissue is damaged, triggering an enzymatic reaction.
This reaction converts the compound alliin into allicin, a volatile organic compound. Allicin is the primary agent that produces the intense odor and sharp flavor that repels mammalian herbivores. The high concentration of these sulfur-based molecules makes the garlic plant highly unappetizing to a rabbit’s acute senses.
Practical Rabbit Control in the Garden
Gardeners can strategically use the rabbit’s aversion to garlic to protect vulnerable crops.
Interplanting
Planting garlic bulbs as a border around the perimeter of a vegetable patch creates a protective barrier that rabbits are hesitant to cross. This interplanting method is an effective, non-lethal way to shield favored rabbit foods, such as young clover, basil, leafy greens, and parsley.
Repellent Spray
Another method is creating a topical repellent spray using garlic extract. A homemade mixture is made by crushing garlic cloves, soaking them in water, and adding mild dish soap to help the solution adhere to plant surfaces. This garlic-infused liquid can be sprayed directly onto plants that rabbits favor, such as lettuce or young bean sprouts. For continued effectiveness, the spray must be reapplied regularly, especially after rain or heavy watering.