Plant Resistant Varieties

Choose plants that are naturally less palatable to common animal pests. Many plants deter browsing due to fuzzy or prickly texture, strong aroma, or toxicity. Good choices include daffodils, lavender, mint, rosemary, onions, rhubarb, and squash vines. Interplant these among more desirable crops to reduce overall browse pressure.

Why It Works

Animals select food based on taste, scent, and texture. Strongly aromatic herbs, prickly stems, and toxic plants like daffodils are consistently avoided. Interplanting resistant varieties among vulnerable crops creates a confusing scent and texture mix that discourages sustained feeding.

Tips

• No plant is completely animal-proof when animals are starving, so combine this with other methods
• Check local extension service lists for regionally specific resistant varieties
• Place aromatic herbs like lavender and rosemary along garden borders as a first line of deterrence
• Daffodil bulbs are toxic to most animals and make excellent border plantings
• Prickly squash vines planted around bed edges help deter rabbits