Deer In The Garden

Many people have complained to me recently about the problems deer have caused in their garden. Some are about ready to give up on gardening all together. If you are  in this boat and really frustrated, don't give up just yet. Here is a primer to get you thinking how you can garden with deer around.

1. Fencing
It's expensive and often unattractive but this is the only completely fool proof way to guarantee that the deer are kept out. For smaller vegetable patches, covering with chicken wire fencing on the sides and the top is a very doable solution. However, for orchards or around foundation planting, the cost can be prohibitive. I've also heard of people using electric fencing but if you have pets or young children then that may not be doable either.

2. Sprays
There are many sprays on the market that supposedly repel deer with varying costs, toxic chemicals and efficacy. It's worth considering, but you should really do some research before buying. Also, most sprays will need to be reapplied periodically.

3. Hanging trash
Sounds weird but one running theory is hanging shiny things like aluminum plans from the branches of a tree in the thought that it will scare the deer away. If your orchard trees are out back some where then this might be a good option for you. However, the deer will adjust to anything so I'd recommend you don't put them out till the fruit is coming on in the summer and take it down after harvest. I suppose you could also put shiny objects on sticks to keep deer away from you plants but to me it looks terrible. To each his own.

4. Grow deer resistant plants
So, this approach is a partial admission of defeat. It means giving up on most fruit trees, blueberries and Hostas (and so much more). However, if you're just trying to put out some lovely landscaping around your house, then you CAN select plants the deer will leave alone. Loads of articles have been written on deer resistant plans like these:

Deer Resistant Plants

The Best Deer Resistant Plants for Your Garden

It's also good to note that most herbs are deer and rabbit resistant.

5. Have a Dog
Just this morning a lady told me that they never had problems with deer till after the family dog passed away. If owning a dog isn't for you, I've heard that just the smell of a dog can keep animals away. I've thought about borrowing the neighbors dog to let him mark his territory all over. If any of you have tried this, please comment about it below.

Have you tried any of these methods? How have they worked for you? Please share your story in the comments below.