Seus Land Exchange Inc.

While deer can seem majestic and the thought of them may cue childhood memories of Bambi, but the reality is that deer and your garden do not mix.

So how do you keep deer out of your garden?

Here are the top remedies for repelling deer (click to skip down to details):

• Plant Things Deer Hate


• Use Soap and Fabric Softener Sheets


• Use Netting


• Use Organic Repellents


• Noise and Lights


• Sprinklers


• Fencing

Plant Things Deer Hate

There are some species of plants that are a deterrent to deer because of their taste, texture or smell.

Flowers: marigolds, astilbe, morning glory, buttercup, foxglove, dahlia, Four O'Clock, flowering tobacco, larkspur, poppy, snapdragon, strawflower and vinca
Herbs: rosemary, lavender, and catmint
Shrubs: boxwood and forsythia
Trees: birch, crape myrtle, maple, and spruce
Sidenote-- Deer Love: azaleas, rhododendrons, daylilies, hostas, roses, Columbine, geranium, impatiens, pansies, redbud, and tulips. Many vegetables including beans, potatoes and tomatoes attract deer too.

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Use Soap and Fabric Softener Sheets

Deer are deterred by unnatural, perfume smells. Hang fabric softener sheets on the trees around your garden. You can also sprinkle perfumed soap shavings in your garden. Replace the softener sheets and soap after heavy rain.

Use Netting

Most hardware stores sell sturdy plastic netting that is specially woven to keep deer from getting through to your vegetables. Before you install the netting, drive sturdy stakes or poles into the ground around the perimeter of your garden. Space them two feet apart and attach the netting to the stakes to make a netted fence. The netted fence should be at least seven feet high to discourage deer from jumping over.

Use Organic Repellents

Spraying an area around your garden with a special organic odor-based repellent will also act as a deterrent for deer. Spray on bushes, grass, and trees close to the garden. The lasting of the odor varies, and many organic repellents need reapplication after heavy rain. You can get several of these at garden/hardware stores.

You can also create your own repellents with chili powder, cayenne pepper and hot peppers. Try chopping some peppers and blending them in a blender and add water, let the solution stand overnight, then strain it through cheesecloth and empty into a spray bottle.

Baby powder can also be sprinkled on plants as a perfumed repellent. Try cracking a few eggs and mix with 2 quarts of water and apply the solution to plants. The eggs will decompose and deer won't like the smell.

Noise and Lights

Noise and lights will scare off unsuspecting deer. You can hang reflective material like pie plates or old CDs. If your area is void of any wind this method might not be as effective. Another noise suggestion would be to hang a group of wind chimes or use a motion activated noise maker.

Sprinklers

Installing sprinklers that are timed to turn on at twilight and early morning will startle deer. Some companies manufacture motion sensitive sprinkler systems that are specifically designed for deer. The sprinklers are activated as soon as movement is detected.

Fencing

If you have tried everything and the deer seem to be winning the battle, install an eight-foot high wire mesh fence around your garden. Although this is the most expensive way to protect your garden from deer, it is the most durable. This fence will last for years and will keep determined deer away from your garden.

Utilizing these techniques may take a little trial and error, but you are sure to find something to work to keep your garden deer free and safe from being eaten.

Labels: deer repellant, garden pest remedies, gardening, keep deer out of the garden, vegetable gardens