Tricking the Rascally Rabbits

I've never had a big problem with rabbits before this year. Now the critters are eating my produce and I prefer not to share. Looking for an easy way to keep them out of my lettuce, I found these hanging wire baskets at my local garden center. By turning them upside down, I keep the rabbits out but allow water and sun to enter. And harvesting the lettuce is as easy as picking up the cage. Finally, I will be able to enjoy a nice garden salad this fall.

(Two notes: We had big rains yesterday, so my lettuce is quite dirty. Also, the rabbits are not so interested in my nutty, peppery arugula so it can stay outside the cage!)

Nibblers Beware

Five coprosma shrubs were planted in the garden and in just that many days, rabbits had defoliated them to the stems. What to do? Tomato cages were sitting in the garden unemployed. I placed them upside down over the plants and draped them with plastic netting. Now five weeks later, they are back with folliage. I will wait until they are more established to remove the protection.