Are hares wreaking havoc in your garden, destroying your beloved plants and flowers? We understand the frustration and the need to protect your garden from these adorable yet destructive creatures. In this blog post, we will discuss some effective methods and helpful tips to keep hares away from your garden.
Why are hares attracted to gardens?
Hares are herbivores, and gardens provide them with easy access to their favorite food sources such as young, tender plants and flowers. Additionally, gardens often offer shelter from predators. These factors make your garden an irresistible haven for hares.
1. Build a Fence
One of the most effective ways to keep hares out of your garden is by building a fence. Use sturdy materials such as chicken wire or hardware cloth, and bury it at least 6 inches deep to prevent the hares from burrowing under the fence. Make sure the fence is at least 3 feet high to hinder the hares from hopping over it.
2. Implement Natural Deterrents
Another strategy is to utilize natural deterrents that hares find unappealing. These include:
- Planting strong-smelling herbs like lavender, rosemary, and mint, as hares dislike their strong scents.
- Incorporating prickly or thorny plants like cacti or barberry bushes, which hares tend to avoid due to the uncomfortable sensation they cause.
- Spreading animal hair, garlic cloves, or even human hair around your garden, as hares hate the smell of predators.
3. Set up Physical Barriers
Creating physical barriers within your garden can also be effective in keeping hares away. Use chicken wire or netting to protect specific plants or flowerbeds. You can also place large stones or rocks around vulnerable areas to discourage hares from entering.
4. Practice Aversion Techniques
Hares, like many animals, have an aversion to certain tastes and textures. Take advantage of this by using deterrents such as:
- Spraying a homemade mixture of water and hot sauce on plants, as the spicy taste will discourage hares from nibbling on them.
- Applying a commercial repellent with strong scents like fox or coyote urine around your garden, deterring hares from entering.
5. Regularly Maintain and Monitor Your Garden
A well-maintained garden is less likely to attract hares. Trim your plants regularly, removing any excess foliage or low branches that serve as hiding spots for hares. Additionally, inspect your garden frequently for any signs of hares or damage to take immediate action.
In Conclusion
Keeping hares away from your garden requires a combination of strategies. By building a fence, implementing natural deterrents, setting up physical barriers, practicing aversion techniques, and regularly maintaining your garden, you can enjoy a hare-free, flourishing garden once again. Remember, persistence is key when it comes to protecting your plants from these persistent garden visitors.