For gardeners and homeowners alike, deer can be a pesky problem. Not only can they cause damage to plants, but they can also attract other pests and spread disease. In the worst cases, deer can even become a nuisance in your home or yard. So what’s a gardener to do? The good news is that there are several ways to keep deer away from your plants without harming them. From repellents to fences and more, read on to learn the best tips for keeping deer away and protecting your beloved plants.
Fencing:
Fencing is one of the most effective ways to keep deer from eating plants. A fence can deter deer by making it difficult for them to access your garden or yard, and by preventing them from seeing your plants.
An ideal fence for deterring deer should be at least 8 feet tall and made of a material that deer can’t see through, such as wood or metal. If you live in an area where deer are a problem, it is also a good idea to make the fence electrified. This will create a physical barrier that deer will not want to cross.
Deer-resistant plants:
If you live in an area with a high deer population, you know how frustrating it can be to have your plants chewed to the ground. You may have even tried using repellents, but to no avail. The good news is that there are some plants that deer tend to avoid. By planting these deer-resistant varieties, you can finally have a yard that looks beautiful without the worry of deer damage.
Some of the best deer-resistant plants include:
Hostas:
These shade-loving perennials are a favorite among gardeners, but not so much for deer. The thick, fleshy leaves make them unappetizing to most deer.
Daylilies:
Another perennial that does well in shady areas, daylilies are another plant that deer don’t find desirable. The flowers might be tasty to some deer, but the rest of the plant is tough and bitter.
Begonias:
Begonias are delicate looking plants, but they’re actually quite tough. Deer tend to steer clear of begonias, making them a great choice for gardeners looking for something a little more dainty.
Sedum:
Also known as stonecrop, sedum is a succulent that does well in dry conditions. The thick Leaves and stems make it unappetizing to most deer.
Of course, no plant is 100% deer proof. There will always be the occasional
Repellents:
Deer are creatures of habit and will return to areas where they have found food in the past. If you have a problem with deer eating your plants, there are a few things you can do to deter them.
One option is to use commercial deer repellents. These products are available in both spray and granular form and contain ingredients that deer find offensive, such as putrescent eggs, garlic, or capsaicin.
Another way to keep deer away from your plants is to create a physical barrier around the area you want to protect. This can be done by erecting a fence around the perimeter of your property or garden. The fence should be at least 8 feet tall to discourage deer from jumping over it.
If you live in an area with a high deer population, you may need to take additional measures to keep them away from your plants. One method is referred to as “deer proofing.” This involves wrapping individual plants or groups of plants with netting or chicken wire so that deer cannot access the leaves or stems. Deer proofing can be time-consuming, but it is an effective way to keep deer from eating your plants.
Hunting:
If you’re a gardener, you know that deer can wreak havoc on your plants. Here are a few tips to keep deer from eating your plants:
Netting:
Put up some netting around your garden to keep deer out. You can also use netting to protect individual plants that deer seem to be particularly fond of.
Repellents:
There are many commercial repellents available that will discourage deer from eating your plants. You can also make your own homemade repellent by mixing together water, garlic, and chili pepper flakes.
Fencing:
A fence is the most surefire way to keep deer out of your garden. If you don’t want to build a fence, you can try stringing up some electrified wire around the perimeter of your garden. Just be sure that the wire is high enough that deer can’t jump over it.
Homemade deer repellent:
Deer are a common problem for gardeners and can quickly destroy a carefully cultivated landscape. There are many commercially available deer repellents on the market, but these can be expensive and some contain harmful chemicals. A more natural and cost-effective solution is to make your own deer repellent at home.
One recipe for homemade deer repellent calls for mixing 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap. This mixture can be sprayed directly on plants, or around the perimeter of your property to deter deer from entering. The strong scent of the vinegar will keep deer away, and the dish soap will help the mixture stick to plants. Reapply after heavy rains or as needed.
Another homemade deer repellent option is to mix 2 cups of water with 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and 1 tablespoon of dried blood meal. This mixture should be sprayed on plants every two weeks, or after heavy rains. The blood meal will repel deer with its strong odor, while the rubbing alcohol will help prevent mold and mildew from forming on plants.
For a long-term solution, consider planting deer-resistant species in your landscape. These include: yarrow, echinacea (coneflower), lavender, catmint, daffodils, marigolds, and chrysanthemums. Research what plants are native to your area and try to incorporate these into your garden design as well .
Frighten deer away
When it comes to keeping deer from eating plants, there are a few things you can do to frighten them away. One is to use motion-activated sprinklers. These will startle the deer and make them think twice about coming back. Another option is to put up a fence around your garden or yard. This will physically block the deer from getting to your plants. Finally, you can try using deer repellent products. These are designed to deter deer with their scent or taste, and can be effective in keeping them away from your plants.
Spray vinegar on plants to keep deer away
When it comes to deer-proofing your garden, there are a number of steps you can take to keep them away from your plants. One simple and effective method is to spray vinegar on the leaves of your plants. The strong smell of vinegar will deter deer from coming near, and they’re likely to avoid eating any plant that’s been sprayed with it.
If you’re worried about the acidity of vinegar harming your plants, don’t be – just diluted vinegar won’t do any damage. Simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and apply it to your plants once or twice a week. You should see a noticeable difference in the amount of deer activity in your garden!
What scares deer the most
The answer may surprise you, but the number one thing that scares deer the most is…humans! That’s right, deer are much more afraid of humans than they are of predators like coyotes or bears. In fact, studies have shown that deer will actually avoid areas where they know humans frequent.
So, if you’re looking to keep deer away from your plants, the best thing you can do is make your presence known. Try walking around your garden regularly or setting up a motion-activated sprinkler system. The sound and movement will startle deer and send them running for the hills!
Final words
As you can see, there are many ways to keep deer from eating your plants. By using a combination of these methods, you can create an effective barrier that will protect your plants from hungry deer.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Deer are most afraid of what?
Ans: Scarecrows, sundials, and other garden ornaments may not always be attractive to deer because they are neophobic.
Q2. Deer are afraid of what color?
Ans: Red and orange colors are less sensitive to them than short (blue) and middle (green) wavelength colors.
Q3. Who are their natural enemies ?
Ans: The white-tailed deer’s only major predator is humans.