We’ve been waiting and planning through all the winter months, and finally spring is arriving soon and preparations of amending the soil, digging or rotary tilling and seeds for plants have been bought. We look forward to watching our hard work yield an abundance of vegetables, herbs and blooming flowers — only to discover that pesky rabbits have helped themselves to our treasured plants!

We recognize the small, pellet-like droppings near a favorite flower or vegetable with a clean diagonal cut from the stem. If a gardener plans ahead, there are some methods to avoid or eliminate this cute, yet destructive pest.

With a light to dark brown furry body of approximately 15 to 18 inches long, the adult eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridamus) weighs only about two to three pounds, and their numbers are abundant due to the fact that they have a high reproductive rate, possibly six litters in one summer, averaging three to eight naked young per litter.

Reproduction is possible after a year and the number of young is determined by food availability. Some years there seems to be an explosion of rabbits, then the following years the numbers are reduced, with a one- to two-year average lifespan in the wild.

Nesting material is grass-lined or can be underground nest cavities made by a previous animal. After 30 days gestation, they are nursed by the doe for two weeks until they are able to hunt for their own food. Predation by hawks, coyote or fox is common, but hunters also keep the population under control.

We gardeners often provide a nutritious meal for the eastern cottontail, but there are various methods to discourage or eliminate their destruction. Damage occurs about two feet above ground, as they can reach on their hind legs for leaves.

Trapping and poison are discouraged because these methods can be damaging to other animals.

Repellents can be safely used but, at best, they are of limited value, as wind and rain will blow or wash it away.

I have used hot pepper flakes and blood meal, both of which proved ineffective because of a daily reapplication. Because the eastern cottontail with crepuscular habits of foraging at dawn and dusk, their damage is only discovered during the day.

I found the best practice to prevent further damage control was a fence. Exclusion was the answer to saving my plants and the most effective way to enjoy my garden.

Wire fencing at least two to three feet tall with a one-inch mesh will prevent juvenile rabbits from having access. To prevent rabbits from digging under the fence, the bottom four to six inches should be bent outward and dug underground. Cylindrical wire mesh can be place around young trees and woody plants for protection. This may seem like much preliminary work and expense, but these wire fences will save you from frustration and will last many years.

Lastly, keeping lawns mowed and removing brush around yards will provide fewer hiding places. Although the eastern cottontail is an attractive native mammal, we would still like to keep our gardens thriving to enjoy our produce in late summer and autumn.

To learn more about these bunnies, go to http://go.osu.edu/rabbits.

Shipka is an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.

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