This winter has been one of the hardest I’ve ever had in the garden. I’ve never struggled with pests like this before — but this year, a rabbit decided my veggie patch was the perfect place to set up a nest. Out of 10 raised beds, 7 were totally destroyed. It was heartbreaking walking out each morning and seeing the damage.
The beds are 80–90 cm high and I even added 1 metre mesh around them, but they still found a way in. Between the rabbits and the usual winter pests, I’ve lost all hope for some of my autumn and winter crops. I’d love to hear how others manage this — because honestly, it’s taken a bit of the shine off this season for me.
That said, spring is here, and with it comes a new wave of challenges: aphids, snails, and caterpillars. Here are some natural ways to keep these pests under control so we can all enjoy stronger crops this season.
🐇 Rabbits
While not the usual “small pest,” they can be devastating.
- Physical barriers: Strong, buried wire mesh is still the most effective. Make sure it’s dug in at least 30 cm underground so they can’t burrow under.
- Companion plants: Some gardeners swear by planting garlic or onions along borders to deter nibblers.
- Natural deterrents: Blood and bone meal sprinkled around beds can sometimes help keep them away.
🐜 Aphids
Small but mighty when it comes to damage.
- Companion planting: Nasturtiums, dill, and coriander attract aphids away from your main crops.
- Natural sprays: Mix a few drops of dish soap in water and spray directly on affected leaves.
- Encourage predators: Ladybirds, hoverflies, and lacewings thrive if you create insect-friendly spaces nearby.
🐌 Snails & Slugs
These are relentless in damp early spring weather.
- Beer traps: Sink a shallow dish of beer into the soil — they’re attracted and drown overnight. I get the smelliest wheaty ale I can find! Sourdough discard mixed with water also works well.
- Barriers: Crushed eggshells, coffee grounds, or diatomaceous earth sprinkled around plants deter them.
- Night patrol: Head out with a torch and remove them manually. It’s surprisingly effective.
🐛 Caterpillars
They can strip plants before you know it.
- Netting: Fine insect netting over crops like brassicas keeps moths from laying eggs.
- Hand-picking: Check under leaves daily and remove eggs or small caterpillars.
- Neem oil: A diluted spray can disrupt their feeding without harming bees if used carefully.
🌿 Final Thought
This season feels like a reset for me — starting again after such heavy losses over winter. If you’ve got your own tips for keeping rabbits and spring pests out, I’d love to hear them. Gardening is always a balance between what we can control and what nature throws at us, but with persistence (and a few natural tricks), I’m hopeful the spring crops will bounce back stronger.