Deer Protection For Your Garden
Romaine lettuce damaged by deer
Oh, Deer! For non-gardener's, there's a fascination with seeing a deer in
a field, or perhaps your yard. For gardener's, it can be quite the opposite
fascination.....errr frustration. You love the sight of deer, anywhere but
in your garden. Yet, they seem impossible to keep away.
If you live in suburbia, deer populations can be difficult to control. Hunting
is not allowed, and natural predators are absent. We've got several ideas
for you to help protect your flowers, shrubs, and herbs from marauding deer.
Did you know? Deer seem to eat almost anything. But, they do not like
thorny plants.
Deer Control Tips and Suggestions:
Repellent Sprays- Your local garden store has a wide variety of deer
repellent sprays. They usually work with some degree of success. To be effective,
repellent sprays need to be applied regularly. They also need to be re-applied
after every significant rain. Use repellent sprays on trees, shrubs and flower
gardens. But, do not use them on your vegetable crop, or fruit trees. Use
of repellent sprays can get expensive.
Fencing- Fences can be highly effective....and unsightly. It's impractical
for many applications, like flower beds along the house. In suburban settings,
it can be simply unsightly. To be effective, fencing needs to be several
feet high. Deer have no problem jumping over a standard chain link fence.
Did you know? Deer will avoid double fencing, spaced 3-4 feet apart.
They are afraid of getting caught between the two fences, and will move on
in search of an easier meal.
Netting Sheets and Tree Bags- Here's a very effective control method.
A tree bag can be used year round, protecting trees and shrubs in winter
from roaming deer. Their green color lets them blend into the natural setting.
The only downside is they are just 3 feet in diameter, limiting their use
to shrubs, and smaller trees. Netting sheets and be used on larger trees,
and as a cover for flowers and vegetables. Long lasting, makes the investment
worthwhile.
Buy Pest Netting
Baby Powder- A few gardeners I know swear by this trick. Sprinkle
baby powder lightly over the leaves. Deer will then leave the plant alone.
Like other repellents, it needs to be re-applied regularly.
Fox Urine- Spray the urine of natural predators around the outside
border of the garden. Deer will think a predator is in the area, and move
on to your neighbors garden......or further. Available at local garden stores,
it needs to be applied regularly to be effective.
Human Hair- Deer recognize humans as a natural predator to them. One
sniff of a human, and off they bound. At least, that's the theory for those
who spread human hair around their garden. Barber shops and hair salons are
a good source of a steady supply of hair.
The Shotgun- Sorry Bambi lovers, but this is one effective means of
control. Obviously , it's not a method of control in suburbia.Check your
local laws.
Irish Spring Soap- Some people hang bars of Irish Spring soap around
their garden........Honest, they do! No one seems to know where this idea
came from. Does it work? Collect used bars of soap and give it a try.
Fabric Softener Sheets- Fasten them to stakes around the garden. The
scent deters them. A pumpkin farmer shared this tip.
Invisible Fishing line- String it around the garden, high and low.
The deer can't see it. When they run into it, they get confused and go elsewhere.
Are Deer, Bunnies or birds feasting on your plants?
Brunch time is over.....period!
Buy the Buffet Buster now!
Flowers deer avoid- Here is a list of some plants that deer
tend to leave alone:
Astilbe
Blanketflower
Columbine
Coneflower
Coreopsis
crocus
Daffodils
Dahlia
Foxglove
Gloriosa Daisy
Grape hyacinth
Larkspur
Lavender
Lupine
Mariposa lily
Moss Pink
Pincushion flower
Poppy
Thyme
Got a secret method to keep deer out of your garden or shrubs?
Email us to share it with others
More Information:
Pest Netting - A wide variety of netting sheets and
tree bags for year long protection of trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables. |
