How to Keep Deer Out of Your Garden

Deer are stunningly beautiful animals that are fun to observe, but can wreak havoc on your flower or vegetable garden. Whether they’re trampling over your favorite plants, or feasting on your beloved tulips, deer just have a natural instinct to roam and eat all the glorious crops you work so hard to obtain. Use these suggestions to keep deer out of your garden this year.

Deer need to consume quite a bit to survive, so when they find a food source, they will return to it and feed until there isn’t much left. And because deer are seldom alone, and prefer to travel in small herds, there will be more than one visitor to your garden in no time at all. Thus, by planning out your garden beforehand, you can create an environment that will repel deer and keep them away.

Deer resistant flowers and plants

Flowers and plants that repel deer is a bit intangible. Although there are flowers and plants you can use to deter deer, if the animal is hungry enough they will eat virtually anything in the garden. However, by implementing unpleasant tasting, or texturally unappealing plants and flowers, you’ll be more successful at keeping deer away. Some flowers and plants that deer don’t like include:

– Catmint
– Fuzzy lamb’s ear
– Hellebore
– Snapdragon
– Bleeding heart
– Lavender
– Baby’s breath
– Spearmint

Avoid planting flowers and plants that deer favor

If a deer stumbles across a garden filled with all their favorites, they will, of course, return time and time again. Thus, by not planting the crops they enjoy the most, you can increase your chances of keeping them away. Some of their favorites include:

– Tulips
– Turnips
– Corn
– Crab apple and other fruit trees
– Sunflowers
– Hostas
– Berry bushes

Deer repellent

Deer are gifted with an amazing sense of smell. It will not only guide them to the direction of food, but can also help keep them away from danger or unpleasant situations. By disrupting their natural sense of smell with a chemical deer repellent, you can help keep deer out of your garden. One of the most effect repellents on the market is Bobbex Deer Repellent. It uses unpleasant smelling ingredients such as eggs, garlic, fish, clove, and more to repel deer away. It’s safe to use anywhere in the garden, even around pets and children, and is sold at most home improvement stores and online at www.bobbex.com.

Deer deterrents

Deer are naturally skittish and are easily frightened by loud noises. By implementing a motion activated deer deterrent, you may be able to simply scare them away. Some devices use light or sound alone, while others trigger both.

More from Jennifer Wagner:

Keep pets out of flower beds and gardens

Kill indoor bugs without pesticides

Lawn care basics for beginners

Source:

Personal experience