Deer Proofing your Garden

Often we are asked for Deer Proof plants.  The truth is, that if the deer are hungry enough, they will eat what is available.  There are plants that are deer resistant, meaning that they prefer other things first.  To keep the deer away it will take a combination of things.  The most important thing is rotation.  By rotating deer deterrent methods every few weeks to a month, success should be accomplished.  There are several products available such as Deer-Away that work, but if the deer get used to it and realize that there is no danger, well here they come again.

Before you try a specific method, be certain deer are to blame. Deer leave tell-tale signs.  Look for sharp hoof marks and jagged edges where stems and leaves have been nibbled.  Deer tear food off rather than making a clean cut as rabbits do.  Other methods are: hanging nylon stockings with human hair inside, hanging bloodmeal in a cloth bag or sprinkling it around the garden, drilling a hole through deodorant soap and hanging them to woody plants, and predator urine.  Some people place mirrors and plastic bags in their gardens and move them occasionally.  These methods may work, but usually only for a while.  Picking two or more of the methods above and rotating them, plus planting deer resistant plants should solve the problem.