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QRabbits ate the leaves of many of my hostas this summer. Is there something I can put on the hostas next year to keep the rabbits from eating them?

ADeterring wildlife from browsing on garden plants is difficult. Barriers -- such as fences -- are the most effective, but they can be expensive and time-consuming to install, and they often don't fit in with the look of the garden.

There are a number of repellents that claim to prevent or reduce browsing by rabbits and deer. These usually are sprayed onto the plants and must be reapplied regularly. Some gardeners make their own concoctions with things such as rotten eggs and hot peppers. I've never tried any of these repellents, so I can't recommend any one. Check your local garden center and garden supply catalogs for possibilities.

-- Nancy Rose is a research horticulturist at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. To ask her a gardening question, call 612-673-9073 and leave a message. She will answer questions in this column only.