Rabbit and groundhog exclusion with buried fencing

Rabbits can squeeze through gaps as small as 3 inches, and groundhogs will dig under barriers that are not buried. Effective rabbit exclusion requires 1/4-inch hardware cloth or welded wire fencing extending at least 24-36 inches above ground, with an additional 6-12 inches buried underground bent outward in an L-shape (the underground L prevents digging past the barrier). For raised beds taller than 36 inches, rabbits typically cannot jump in, but verify this for your local rabbit species. For beds shorter than 36 inches, install fencing around the bed perimeter or create a cage enclosure. Groundhogs are stronger diggers than rabbits and require the buried L-extension plus at least 36 inches of above-ground barrier. An alternative for raised beds: line the bottom with hardware cloth (doubling as gopher protection) and add 24-inch hardware cloth panels around the exterior, creating a complete enclosure. Use 1/4-inch mesh maximum, as young rabbits can fit through 1/2-inch hardware cloth. Secure all joints and seams tightly; rabbits will exploit any gap. This solution is most cost-effective when combined with gopher wire already installed beneath the bed.