What vegetable plants will rabbits not eat?

Answered by Michael Wilson

There are several vegetable plants that rabbits tend to avoid. These include:

1. Asparagus: Rabbits generally do not have a taste for asparagus. This perennial vegetable is not typically on their menu.

2. Leeks and onions: Rabbits tend to steer clear of these pungent members of the Allium family. The strong smell and taste of leeks and onions make them unappealing to rabbits.

3. Potatoes: While rabbits may nibble on potato leaves or stems, they usually avoid eating the tubers themselves. The bitter taste of raw potatoes may deter them.

4. Rhubarb: Rabbits tend to avoid rhubarb due to its high levels of oxalic acid, which can be toxic to them. The sour taste and tough texture of rhubarb leaves and stalks also make them less attractive to rabbits.

5. Squash: Rabbits are not particularly fond of squash plants, including varieties like zucchini and butternut squash. The thick and rough leaves of these plants may make them less appealing to rabbits.

6. Tomatoes: While rabbits may occasionally nibble on tomato plants, they typically avoid them. The strong scent of tomato plants and the slightly toxic nature of their leaves and stems may deter rabbits.

When it comes to flowers, there are a few options that rabbits are less likely to eat:

1. Cleomes: Also known as spider flowers, cleomes have a pungent odor that rabbits find unappealing. They are often avoided by these furry garden visitors.

2. Geraniums: These colorful flowering plants are not typically on a rabbit’s menu. Their strong scent and slightly bitter taste may discourage rabbits from munching on them.

3. Vincas: Also called periwinkles, vincas have a somewhat bitter taste that rabbits tend to avoid. They are often left untouched in gardens frequented by rabbits.

4. Wax begonias: These beautiful flowering plants have waxy leaves that rabbits are not particularly fond of. The texture and taste of the leaves may deter rabbits from eating them.

Certain herbs are also less appealing to rabbits:

1. Basil: Rabbits generally avoid basil plants. The strong aroma and slightly spicy taste of basil make it unattractive to them.

2. Mint: Rabbits tend to steer clear of mint plants. The strong scent and menthol flavor of mint leaves make them less desirable to rabbits.

3. Oregano: This aromatic herb is not typically favored by rabbits. The strong flavor and scent of oregano leaves may discourage them from eating it.

4. Parsley: While parsley may occasionally be nibbled on by rabbits, it is generally not their first choice. The strong taste and slightly bitter nature of parsley leaves may make them less appealing to rabbits.

5. Tarragon: Rabbits typically avoid tarragon plants. The strong flavor and scent of tarragon leaves may deter them from eating it.

Rabbits tend to avoid certain vegetable plants like asparagus, leeks, onions, potatoes, rhubarb, squash, and tomatoes. They also tend to steer clear of flowers such as cleomes, geraniums, vincas, and wax begonias. Additionally, herbs like basil, mint, oregano, parsley, and tarragon are generally not favored by rabbits. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can help deter rabbits from feasting on your crops.