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Deer Help

Fri - November 18, 2011 - 4:00 pm

Deer Help

Deer may be a wonder to behold, until they get ahold of your leafy greens. Here are some ways to keep the plant-gobbling critters at bay.

Put in a barrier fence – Deer are agile jumpers so be sure to have the fence height close to 8′. Although it may not be ideal, enclosing a vegetable garden may be all you need.
Spray them away – One of the least expensive ways to repel deer but with varying degrees of success. There will be a need to reapply due to plant growth and rain. But again, a starving deer will eat anything, no matter what you spray on it. (Check out the DIY Deer Repellent below)
Scare them off – Using a homemade scarecrow or commercial one can can be effective scare tactics. The commercial scarecrow combines a motion detector and sprinkler that sprays water when critters cross its path. However, placement of the scarecrow is key.
Plant their least-favorite foods – The best defense is a good offense. Landscaping around your house with plants that are highly aromatic, furry, spiny, or poisonous usually provoke deer to turn away. (Refer to lists provided below)

DIY Deer Repellent - Here’s how to mix up a batch for yourself:

1 bar of Fels Naptha soap
2 bunches of scallions, roughly chopped2 heads of garlic, cloves separated
4 eggs

Chili Powder, lots

1. Fill 1/2 of a 5-gallon bucket with hot water.

2. Shave soap into bucket to dissolve.

3. Place scallions, garlic, eggs, and chili powder in a large piece of doubled cheesecloth. Tie up ends of cloth tightly: use a wooden spoon to crack the eggs. Place pouch in bucket.

4. Fill the bucket with more water: cover tightly with lid. Place in shaded area. Let sit for 1 week.

5. Transfer in batches to a pump sprayer. Apply after each rainfall or every 2 weeks.

Plants Deer Dislike

Annuals-

Snapdragon, Begonias, Ornamental Peppers, Celosia, Cleome, Coleus, Cosmos, Mexican Heather, Fuschia, Heliotrope, Morning Glory, Marigolds, Pentas, Petunias, Salvia, Dusty Miller, Verbena, Zinnia

Bulbs-

Alliums, Amaryllis, Crinum Lily, Dahlias, Daffodils

Ground Covers-

Ajuga, Liriope, Pachysandra, Vinca major and minor

Perennials-

Yarrow, Agastache, Amsonia, Columbine, Artemesia, Butterfly Weed, Astible, Canna, Clematis, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Dicentra, Digitalis, Echinacea, Ferns, Hellebores, Iris, Lantana, Lavender, Lobelia, Honeysuckle, Oregano, Ornamental Grasses, Parsley, Peonies, Poppies, Beard-Tongue, Russian Sage, Solomon’s Seal, Rosemary, Salvia, Lamb’s Ear, Verbena

Shrubs-

Abelia, Bottlebrush, Barberry, Buddleia, Beautyberry, Quince, Clethra, Cotoneaster, Deutzia, Forsythia, Sweetspire, Oleander, Spirea, Lilac, Viburnum, Vitex, Wiegelia, Boxwood, Cephalotaxus, Daphne, Eleagnus, Gardenia, Hollies, Illicium, Juniper, Leucothoe, Ligustrum, Mahonia, Pyracantha, Yucca

Trees-

Firs, Red Maple, River Birch, Deodar Cedar, Dogwoods, Gingko, Gordonia, Crape Myrtle, Magnolia, Spruce, Sweetgum, Bald Cypress

If you don’t see something on this list it does not mean that deer eat it. And if you do see something on this list does not mean that deer won’t eat it. In areas of heavy population, hungry deer will eat just about anything. Lists also change depending on your area, so check with your local nursery.