If you’ve ever come outside to find your lettuce chomped or flower petals missing, I feel you. That used to be me every spring.
Rabbits are cute, until they treat your garden like a buffet.
I’ve tested more than a few rabbit fences over the years, and these 8 ideas are the ones I always come back to.
1. Mesh and Wood Combo Fence
I built one of these around my herb garden last year. It was the perfect weekend project and looks so much nicer than plain metal fencing. The wooden frame gives it that clean, structured look.
Then I attached fine mesh with a staple gun, easy and surprisingly secure. Nothing’s chewed through it so far, even the baby bunnies.
If you’re picky about looks but need strong protection, this one’s worth the effort. You can stain the wood or paint it to match your outdoor space.
2. Small-Gauge Mesh Fence
This is the first fence I ever used, and it’s still one of the most reliable. I bought a roll of small-gauge wire mesh from the hardware store and used simple T-posts to hold it up.
Here’s the part folks skip, I buried the bottom about 6 inches deep. That’s key. Rabbits will dig under a fence faster than you think.
It’s not fancy, but if you want something fast that works, this is your go-to. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and lasts for years.
3. Chicken Wire (With a Twist)
We tried regular chicken wire early on, but the holes were just big enough for trouble. One clever rabbit kept squeezing through like it was nothing.
So, I added a strip of finer mesh around the base. Problem solved. It was cheaper than replacing the whole fence, and honestly, smarter too.
Chicken wire bends easily, so it’s great for odd shapes or temporary setups. Just don’t rely on it alone for rabbit control.
4. Portable Rabbit Fencing Panels
I use these around my raised beds, especially when I’m rotating crops. They’re light enough to move and strong enough to stay put during wind and rain.
I made mine with simple wood frames and mesh, then hinged the corners together. They fold flat when I’m not using them!
If you don’t want to dig or commit to a full perimeter fence, this option is super handy. Great for renters or seasonal setups.
5. Raised Garden Beds with Fencing
This trick changed everything for me. I raised the beds about 18 inches high, then added mesh panels to the sides. Now I don’t worry about rabbits, or my back!
The extra height means they can’t jump in, and there’s nothing for them to climb. You can even build this in stages if you’re short on time.
It’s perfect for veggies and herbs. And let’s be honest, it just looks clean and organized too.
6. Electric Rabbit Fence (Low-Voltage)
I helped a friend install this around her bigger garden, and it really works. It gives a gentle zap, not painful, just enough to send rabbits running.
We used a solar charger, so it runs on its own. It’s not something I’d use in a small yard, but for large gardens, it’s gold.
Just keep it low to the ground and check it now and then. It’s more of a set-it-and-forget-it kind of thing once you have it going.
7. Netting for Small Spaces
I’ve used this in my flower boxes and pots when rabbits were nibbling my pansies. It’s thin, flexible, and easy to move as your plants grow.
All I did was drape it and use clips to hold it in place. You can cut it to fit any shape, and it’s reusable from season to season.
Great for renters, balconies, or anyone who wants to protect a small area without installing posts or frames.
8. Decorative Garden Fence with Mesh Lining
I wanted something cute for the front yard, something that didn’t scream “pest control.” I found a little white picket-style fence and lined the back with mesh.
From the front, it looks like a normal decorative fence. From the back, it’s a rabbit barrier doing its job.
If looks matter in your space, this is a great way to keep things tidy without sacrificing protection.
Conclusion
You don’t need a big budget or fancy tools to keep rabbits out, you just need a little know-how and the right setup.
I’ve tried each of these in different gardens, and they all work depending on what you’re growing and where.
Pick one that fits your space, get a little creative, and keep those bunnies munching elsewhere.