GARDENING FACT SHEET:
Click to View this Printable PDF file: “Tips to Keep Deer from Feasting on Your Garden”
Tips to keep deer from feasting on your garden:
Install physical barriers:
• Fencing or Cages: A tall fence around your garden is the most effective solution. Deer can jump a typical 6-foot fence so it would need to be around 8 feet to ensure they can’t jump over it. Consider using deer netting or a wire mesh.
• Cages: Use wire mesh to make cages for individual plants or trees.
Use Repellents:
• Deer repellents are effective if they are applied regularly, especially as new growth emerges. It’s best to rotate your deer repellents a couple times a year as deer do get used to one scent.
• Deer repellent sprays are not usually a good solution for vegetable gardens, consider trying a scent barrier that is either a granular repellent, stakes or clips or even predator urine.
Try Scare Tactics and Deterrents:
• Motion-Activated sprinklers, noise makers or visual deterrents like wind spinners can startle deer, but they need to be moved around regularly because deer can become accustomed with time.
• Deer dislike walking on uneven surfaces. Creating a wide border around your garden with large river rock can make them feel unstable and be a deterrent.
Choose Deer Resistant Plants:
• It’s true that deer in different neighborhoods have different tastes. What they eat at your house, they might ignore across town. Check with your neighbors to see what deer avoid or eat in their yards.
• Refer to our “Deer Resistant List” for a full list of plants deer tend to avoid or start with or ‘Top 10 Deer Resistant’ Plants below:
TOP 10 DEER RESISTANT LANDSCAPE PLANTS:
RUSSIAN SAGE
HYSSUP
YARROW
SALVIA
PENSTEMON
BLUE MIST SPIREA
BLUE FESCUE
FEATHER REED GRASS
BARBERRY
BOXWOOD
