So MANY CHOICE5 ...

If you already share your life with a rabbit, you probably know which herbs and vegetables are your pet's favorites. lf you are a new rabbit owner, you'll need to discover which plants pique your rabbit's appetite. Fortunately, most rabbits love green herbs and vegetables, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding something to grow that your rabbit wi1l enjoy. Here are some healthy, easy-to-growvarieties most rabbits find delicious (You may even want to eat some of what you grow yourself - what better way to improve your diet as well?)

VEGETABLES

· Kale - This is a favorite bunny vegetable, and it is rich in vitamins A and e. It should be fed sparingly, because it contains oxalates (the salts of oxalic acid), which can accumulate in the rabbit's body and cause fOxicity over time. Kale is easy to cultivate, and young plants can be placed in the garden in mid-spring in cold climates and early spring in warmer climates. Water enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Collards - Rabbits especially seem to enjoy collards, which provide lots of calciwn and vitamin A for hungry bunnies. Planting seeds directly in the garden in early spring, will reap a summer harvest of this vegetable. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

. AruguIa - This vegetable has been around since Roman times and is a good source of vitamin A and e. It is easy to grow from seed and can be replanted every 30 days for a continuous crop throughout the spring, summer and fall. Water it during dry periods.

. Mustard greens- Mustard is a leafy green vegetable that serves as a good source of vitamin A, folíc acid and calcium. Plant the seeds in the ground three weeks before the predicted last frost, and later in the year to produce more plants. Mustards thrive in extra water during dry periods.

. Dande1iongreens- Although most people think of dandelíons as weeds, the leaves of this vegetable make a tasty and nutritious treat for rabbits. Loaded with calcium, potassium, vitarnin A and vitarnin e, dandelíons are easy to grow from seed and are hardy even in dry climates.

. Chard - Rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium, chard grows easily from seed and can be planted in early- to midspring. The plants should be watered regularly and will produce large leaves that bunnies love to nibble.

. Endive - The dark leaves of the endive plant provide a good source of

vitamin A and folate. This vegetable can be planted directly in the soil from seed in earIy spring or started indoors during winter.

· Broccoli - Many rabbits love it. However, broccoli should be fed in moderation, as it can cause rabbits to develop excess gas in the digestive tract and possibly diarrhea if the rabbit isn't used to it. Moderation is key. A hardy vegetable that contains plenty of vitamin A and D, broccoli seeds can be started indoors in the late winter and planted outdoors in early spring. Water frequently, especially after the head develops.

HERBS

· Rosemary- This tasty herb is a delight to rabbits, which receive iron and calcium from its green leaves. A n-agrant plant, rosemary is best grown n-om seedlings purchased at a nursery, and it does best in slightly moist soil.

· Basil - Another fragrant herb, basil is loved by most rabbits.1t is a hardy plant that can be grown directly from seed. The soil should be kept moist, and the leaves can be harvested and fed for their richness in iron, calcium and vitamin A.

· Mint - This tasty herb, rich in vitamin A and magnesium, will find its way into your kitchen as well as your rabbit's food bowl. Because it is difficult to grow n-om seed, young plants should be purchased from a nursery and planted in the garden. Keep moist for optimum growth when the plants are young.

· Parsley- Rabbits adore parsley and obtain vitarnins A and C n-om its leaves. This hardy herb is best started n-om young plants purchased at a nursery. Keep the soil moist and snip the leaves in bunches to feed to your young rabbit.

· Cilantro - Often used in Mexican cooking, cilantro (also known as Chinese parsley) is popular among rabbits as well. The tangy leaves provide vitamin A and C and are easy to grow. Cilantro is best started n-om seed and thrives in well-drained soil.