Deer Problems? Master Gardener Offers These Tips

By Lawrence Leaf

Here’s a three-step theory to keep Bambi’s white-tailed butt out of your garden!

The first thing to remember is we are the intruder and not the deer. In reality, we may be the wild animals building our single and multilevel homes. Building our pathways traveled by fast-moving pieces of metal transporting us to places to feed and shop. Since we are so intelligent to take over or invade deer’s homes, we should at least spend our time gaining knowledge on how to coexist with a flock of fawns and protect our gardens.

1) DON” T FEED ANIMALS

One of the biggest mistakes I have had to deal with in my career is people feeding the deer on their property where humans create a garden. So let’s start there.

Next, there are many lists of deer-resistant plants that at times do not work. It’s hit and miss. But the deer aren’t that smart and there is no sign that says, “Don’t Eat.” Definitely try and see what happens. But read labels carefully.

2)BUY DEER-RESISTANT PLANTS

Check the deer-resistant list which has many beautiful plants on it. A couple of common sense facts on what they will not eat are sharp plants or plants with needles because of fear that their mouth or tongues will be harmed.

Some plants with odor are a deterrent as they may get confused as a predator. However, never take this as total gospel as deer can be unpredictable when it comes to feeding. Some deer-resistant flowers include marigolds, dusty miller, pines, snapdragons, peonies, daffodils, lily of the valley, yucca and Russian sage.

3) DEER SPRAY

As a professional, I have found that just using deer-resistant plants is not a 100% guarantee. Nor are devices that make a noise that only the deer hear which are unattractive in a garden. Spraying products that smell like a predator I have noticed are not 100%  either. But that is often because people forget to spray again after it rains.

4) BUILDING STONE GARDEN AS DETERRENT

 I came up with an elaborate triple theory to protect your plants.

Using 2-to5-inch stones as a border around your garden, totally enclosing your garden is most important. Making the garden border most unstable as the stone must be 2 to 5 inches no smaller or larger so as the Deer step on the stone border the stone moves adding fear, also the stone will be uncomfortable to their hooves and unstable.

Then use all deer-resistant plants (absolutely no non- deer resistant plants) can be planted in this garden concept. Then spray deer-resistant products on the plants. That smells like a predator.

Basically, use several methods to get them away from flowers. Deer need a couple of reminders that your garden is not a safe habitat to feast.

 You give them three obstacles and that is way too much for them to handle and they will move along to the next garden to graze on. The 2-to-5-inch stone that moves when they walk on it may be the most important step.  So now you know a three-step way to have a beautiful garden without giving Bambi a Thumper Salad like in the movie. As a four-year-old child, I loved the movie, Bambi. As an adult Bambi in a garden. Not so much!