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Deer Control Protection For Your Garden Plants

deer, control, netting, romaine, lettuce, picture

Romaine lettuce damaged by deer

Oh, Deer!

Non-gardener's are fascinated when they see deer in a field, or the backyard. For gardeners, it can be quite the opposite fascination.....errr frustration. You love the sight of a deer, anywhere but in your garden. Yet, they seem impossible to keep away.

If you live in suburbia, deer populations are difficult to control. Hunting is not allowed, and natural predators are absent. We've got several ideas to help you to protect your flowers, shrubs, and your vegetable garden from these marauding free-loaders.

Did you know? Deer seem to eat almost anything. But, they do not like thorny plants. While they will eat the tips of roses, they leave the mature, thorny stems alone.


Deer Control Methods and Tips: Here are some ideas to provide deer protection for plants, trees, and shrubs.

Repellent Sprays- Repellent sprays can be an effective control. Repellent sprays must be applied regularly. Re-apply after a significant rain. Use repellent sprays on trees, shrubs and flower gardens. Do not use them on vegetable crop, or fruit trees. Repellent sprays can be expensive, and, time-consuming.

Deer Fence- A fence is the most effective control method. Unfortunately, it is impractical for some applications, like flower beds along the house. The fence needs to be several feet high. Deer have no problem jumping over a 4' chain link fence.

Did you know? Deer 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.

Deer Netting Sheets and Tree Bags- This is a very effective deer control method. Deer netting is lightweight and easy to setup/take down. Shrub and tree netting can be used year round, protecting trees and shrubs in winter from roaming deer. The green color lets this garden netting blend into the natural setting. Garden nylon mesh netting sheets can be used on larger trees, and as a cover for flowers and vegetables.  

Tip: Don't buy the single strand netting. It doesn't last. Use long lasting, strong, multi-strand, U/V protected deer netting, which lasts for years.

Buy Deer Control Pest Netting

Baby Powder- A few gardeners I know swear by this trick. Sprinkle baby powder lightly over the leaves. Deer leave the plant alone. Like other repellents, it needs to be frequently re-applied.

Fox Urine- Spray the urine of natural predators around the outside border of the garden. Deer think a predator is in the area, and move on to your neighbor's garden. Available at local garden stores, regualr applications are required.

Question: How do they collect fox urine!? I do not want that job!

Homemade Deer Repellent Spray - Put 2 or 3 old eggs in blender along with 2 Tablespoons of finely minced garlic, a generous dash or two of cayenne pepper & tobasco sauce. Add 1 cup of water with couple drops of any cooking oil. Puree this and strain it. Then, put it into a spray bottle. Spray once a week on shrubs or plants you want to protect. Contributed by Gayle Hunter.

Human Hair- Deer recognize humans as a natural predator. 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.

The Shotgun- Sorry Bambi lovers. Where allowed, this is an effective means of control. Obviously, it's not an option in suburbia.

Irish Spring Soap- Hang bars of Irish Spring soap around the garden. Does it work? Collect some 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 garden plants?

Brunch time is over.....period!

Buy the Garden Buffet Buster now!


Deer resistant plants  and deer resistant flowers- Listed below, are flower plants that are resistant to deer. Some of these may occasionally bothered by them, when other food sources are scarce.

Achillea

Ageratum

Astilbe

Aster

Baby's Breath

Bachelor Buttons

Blanketflower

Blue Flax

Butterfly Flower

Candytuft

Columbine

Coneflower

Coreopsis

Crocus

Daffodils

Dahlia

Delphinium

Forget Me Not

Foxglove

Gloriosa Daisy

Grape Hyacinth

Larkspur

Lavender

Lobelia

Lupine

Mariposa lily

Moss Pink

Nasturtium

Ornamental Grass

Periwinkle

Pincushion flower

Poppy

Snapdragon

Sweet William

Thyme

Buy Deer Resistant Flowers

Got a secret deer control method for garden or shrubs? Email us now!


Also see:

Animal Garden Pest Control - How to control a variety of garden pests

Pest Netting - A wide variety of pest netting sheets and tree bags for year long protection of trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables.

Buy Flower, Vegetable and Herb Seeds Ferry Morse, Livingston, and Lilly Miller seeds. Lowest prices anywhere.

Quality Bulbs and Perennials - Find your favorite bulbs and perennials.

Buy Guarden Raised Garden Bed Frames  Attractive, long lasting, and affordable, Guarden raised bed garden frames are the strongest in the industry. A greenhouse system can be added to them, too.


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