We live in an area that backs up to timberland and therefore share our neighborhood with many wild animals. Most of them are as scared of humans as we are of them, and then there are the resident deer. Now don't get me wrong, I find something special about seeing a deer in a wooded area or in a park. I always shout "oh look, there's a deer!" out of excitement and endearment, acting like a tourist who has never seen a deer before. But that affection quickly fades when I look out the window to find Bambi eating my just ready to harvest lettuce or plant that the internet swore up and down was deer proof (they keep eating the toxic rhubarb leaves).
I have to admit, they are very cute...
Over the years I've realized that no plant is totally deer resistant, and you really need to try growing a lot of different plants and use different deer deterrents to see what works best in your area. I will note that for all the frustrations it may cause, I do live in their space and my goal is just to find a way for us to cohabitate and minimize impact. In this blog I will talk about what has or hasn't worked for me.
Deer Deterrents:
Liquid Fence Deer & Rabbit Repellent Ready-to-Use, 1-Gallon, 2-pack - I've been using this yearly even prior to having a vegetable garden. I've found it is most effective during May-Sept, during the early spring it rains too much in the PacNW and the scent must dissipate rather quickly - there are also a lot fewer food options for the deer in early spring and fall, and they tend to be more bold. I spray it 1x/week starting in April.
Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler - this has been the most effective deterrent that I've used, but my suspicion is that it is only really effective if the deer follow a similar path each night so you know where to place and angle the sensors. I have 2 set up in our yard and have them turned on during both the day and night. I will admit that I have also been startled and sprayed by these a time or ten 😂
Fence - this is the most effective way to keep deer out, unfortunately due to our location and lot slope this isn't a viable option for us. Do make sure the height of your fence is high enough to keep the deer in your area out
Gardeners Supply Company Deer Repellent Plant Pouches - This is my first season using these and I just set them up a week or so ago, will update on the effectiveness later in the season
Diligently taking a look outside before bed and shooing any deer away
Planting for success:
One of the best ways to reduce the frequency of deer visits is to grow things that deer avoid or dislike. As I mention above, it may take some trial and error in your area to identify what plants the deer in your area have an appetite for. Below are some examples of plants that deer have avoided or frequented in my garden, as well as a few notes on the timing or part of the plants they enjoy. I still grow many things in my yard that deer love, which is where the deer deterrents above come into play, but knowing what deer prefer helps guide my garden planning and placement of the plants.
Plants that deer seem to avoid in our area completely:
Daffodils - not unique to our area, these are poisonous
Zinnias
Verbena
Eggplants
Cucumbers
Squash
Potatoes
Fig trees
Dahlias
Peonies
Gladiolus
Rhododendron
Alyssum
Herbs: Sage, rosemary, oregano, lavender, tarragon, dill, basil
Alliums: onions, garlic, chives
Oriental lilies
Creeping jenny
Mint
Ferns
Plants that are frequented by deer early in season:
Bearded irises - the tend to eat all new growth
Ranunculus - the tend to eat all new growth
Tulips - deer will dig up these bulbs and eat any new growth
Plants that are frequented by deer throughout season:
Roses
Parsley
Petunias - flowers only
Geraniums - flowers only
Pansies - flowers only
Snap Dragons - flowers only
Rhubarb - this is poisonous and supposed to be deer resistant
Lettuce
Kale
Broccoli
Strawberries
Plants that deer are aggressive towards late in season:
Tomatoes - both fruit and leaves
Peppers - both fruit and leaves
Oriental lily leaves (on occasion)
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