10 Effective Ways To Keep Deer Out Of Garden

Are you tired of deer feasting on your prized plants and flowers? Does their relentless browsing leave your garden looking desolate and discourage you from enjoying the beauty of nature? If so, you’re not alone. Deer are a common problem for gardeners, but there are effective ways to keep them out of your garden and protect your precious greenery. By implementing these proven strategies, you can reclaim your garden as a sanctuary for both yourself and your plants.

One of the most effective ways to deter deer is to create a physical barrier around your garden. This can be achieved by installing a fence, preferably one at least 8 feet tall to discourage deer from jumping over. Electric fencing is also an option, as the shock it delivers will keep deer at bay. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the fence is properly maintained and the electric charge is adequate to deter deer effectively. Additionally, you can plant thorny or unpalatable plants around the perimeter of your garden to create a natural deterrent.

Another key strategy is to modify the environment of your garden to make it less appealing to deer. Deer have a keen sense of smell, so avoid using fragrant plants or flowers that may attract them. Instead, opt for deer-resistant plants, which are less enticing to these browsing animals. Additionally, deer tend to avoid areas with dense vegetation, so planting densely can help deter them. By combining these environmental modifications with physical barriers, you can create a garden that is both beautiful and deer-proof, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your labor without the frustration of deer damage.

Fencing: A Physical Barrier

Fencing is a classic and effective way to keep deer out of your garden. It creates a physical barrier that prevents them from accessing your plants. There are several types of fencing to choose from, each with its pros and cons:

Woven wire fencing

Woven wire fencing is a durable and long-lasting option. It is made of galvanized steel wire that is woven together to create a tight mesh. This type of fencing is effective at keeping out deer and other animals, but it can be expensive and difficult to install.

Welded wire fencing

Welded wire fencing is another durable option. It is made of steel wire that is welded together at each intersection. This type of fencing is even more effective at keeping out deer than woven wire fencing, but it is also more expensive.

Chain-link fencing

Chain-link fencing is a less expensive option than woven or welded wire fencing. It is made of galvanized steel wire that is linked together to create a diamond-shaped mesh. This type of fencing is not as effective at keeping out deer as woven or welded wire fencing, but it is still a good option for many gardeners.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Fencing:

Height: The fence should be at least 8 feet tall to deter deer from jumping over it.
Strength: The fence should be made of sturdy materials that can withstand deer trying to push through it.
Openings: The mesh size of the fence should be small enough to prevent deer from sticking their heads through it.

Appearance: The fence should be aesthetically pleasing so that it does not detract from the beauty of your garden.

Type of Fencing	Pros	Cons
Woven wire fencing	Durable, long-lasting, effective	Expensive, difficult to install
Welded wire fencing	Durable, long-lasting, very effective	Expensive, difficult to install
Chain-link fencing	Less expensive, easy to install	Not as effective as woven or welded wire fencing

Repellents: Deterring Deer with Scents and Taste

Deer have an excellent sense of smell and taste, making it possible to keep them out of gardens using scents and flavors they find unpleasant. Commercial deer repellents containing ingredients like putrescent eggs, garlic, predator urine, or capsaicin can be effective in some cases. However, these products may have a short-lived effect and can be expensive.

Natural repellents, such as planting certain plants that deer dislike, can also be an option. Deer find the scent and taste of plants like marigolds, lavender, mint, and rosemary particularly unpleasant.

Another effective strategy is to use a variety of repellents. Rotating different scents and flavors can increase confusion and deter deer from becoming accustomed to a particular repellent. For example, one might use a putrescent egg spray one week, garlic powder the next, and predator urine the following week.

Scent or Taste	Effectiveness
Putrescent eggs	Strong, unpleasant odor; may be effective
Garlic	Strong, pungent odor; some deer may find it attractive
Predator urine	May trigger an instinctive fear response
Capsaicin	Hot, spicy taste; may irritate deer’s mouths
Marigolds	Strong, pungent odor; deer typically avoid them
Lavender	Strong, floral odor; may repel deer
Mint	Strong, minty odor; may deter deer
Rosemary	Strong, herbaceous odor; may repel deer

Companion Planting: Making Your Garden Less Deer-Appetizing

Deer are fond of certain plants, but they’re also averse to others. By planting deer-resistant species alongside your favorites, you can create a less tempting environment for these unwelcome visitors. Here are some effective companion planting strategies:

Planting Marigolds in your garden

Marigolds are known to repel deer due to their strong scent. Plant them around the perimeter of your garden or inter dispersed among your other plants. They also attract pollinators, which can benefit your crops.

Using Garlic and Chives

Deer find the pungent smell of garlic and chives off-putting. Plant them near your most vulnerable plants or create a barrier around your garden with these herbs.

Planting Lavender

Lavender’s sweet, floral scent is irresistible to humans but not to deer. Plant lavender near your garden or use it as a border plant to keep deer at bay.

Utilizing Deer-Resistant Flowers and Shrubs

Many flowers and shrubs naturally deter deer. Consider incorporating the following into your landscape:

Flowers	Shrubs
Asters	Barberries
Chrysanthemums	Boxwoods
Cosmos	Holly
Daylilies	Junipers

Netting: Overhead Protection from Vegetation

Netting is one of the most effective ways to keep deer away from your garden. It provides an overhead barrier that deer cannot reach over or jump over. Netting can be used to cover fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and other areas where you want to protect plants from deer.

Types of Netting

There are two main types of netting used for deer control:

Plastic netting is lightweight and easy to install. It is available in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can choose a net that blends in with your garden.
Wire netting is more durable than plastic netting, but it is also more expensive and difficult to install. Wire netting is typically used for larger areas, such as orchards or vineyards.

Installing Netting

To install netting, you will need to:

Choose a location for your net. The net should be placed around the perimeter of the area you want to protect, and it should be high enough so that deer cannot reach over it.
Cut the net to size. The net should be large enough to cover the entire area you want to protect, and it should overlap by at least 12 inches on all sides.
Secure the net. The net can be secured to trees, posts, or other structures using wire, zip ties, or other fasteners.
Check the net regularly. The net should be checked regularly for holes or tears. If any holes or tears are found, they should be repaired immediately.

Maintenance

Netting is a relatively low-maintenance way to keep deer out of your garden. However, it is important to check the net regularly for holes or tears, and to repair any damage that is found.

Noise Deterrents: Startling Deer with Sound

Deer are sensitive to noise, and sudden loud sounds can startle them away. Several effective noise deterrents can keep deer out of your garden, such as motion-activated alarms, wind chimes, and loud music played through a speaker.

Motion-Activated Alarms

Motion-activated alarms are a great option for deterring deer from your garden. These alarms emit a loud sound when motion is detected, which will startle deer and make them leave the area.

Wind Chimes

Wind chimes are a more subtle noise deterrent than motion-activated alarms. The gentle jingling of wind chimes in the breeze can startle deer and keep them away from your plants. Choose wind chimes with different tones and sizes to create a more effective deterrent.

Loud Music

Playing loud music through a speaker can be an effective deterrent for deer. Deer dislike loud noises, and the sound of music will frighten them away. Choose music that is loud and has a variety of sounds to keep deer from getting used to it. You can also place the speaker near your garden to maximize its effectiveness.

Predatory Scents: Mimicking Natural Predators

Deer possess an innate fear of predators, making scents that mimic these predators an effective deterrent. These scents can be applied in various forms, such as sprays or granules, around the perimeter of your garden or on targeted plants. Some common predatory scents include:

Coyote Urine

Coyote urine is a highly effective deer repellent due to its pungent odor, which triggers a fear response in deer. It can be applied around the garden or sprayed directly onto plants.

Wolf Urine

Similar to coyote urine, wolf urine also emits a strong scent that repels deer. It can be an alternative option if coyote urine is ineffective or unavailable.

Human Hair

Scattering human hair around the garden creates the illusion of human presence, which can deter deer. Human hair acts as a warning sign, indicating that predators may be nearby.

Blood Meal

The smell of blood meal can trigger a fear response in deer, as it mimics the scent of injured animals that attract predators. It can be applied as a granular repellent around the garden.

Predator Decoys

Placing decoy predators, such as plastic owls or coyotes, within your garden can create a perceived threat to deer. The realistic appearance of these decoys may deter deer from approaching.

Ultrasonic Devices

Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but can irritate deer. These devices can be placed around the garden as a non-chemical deterrent.

Noise Deterrent	Pros	Cons
Motion-Activated Alarms	– Effective at startling deer – Can be used in any garden size	– Can be expensive – May not be suitable for all areas
Wind Chimes	– Inexpensive – Easy to use – Can be used in any garden size	– May not be as effective as motion-activated alarms – Can be annoying to some people
Loud Music	– Effective at startling deer – Can be used in any garden size	– Can be annoying to neighbors – May not be suitable for all areas

Method	Pros	Cons
Coyote Urine	Highly effective	Strong odor
Wolf Urine	Effective alternative	May not be as effective as coyote urine
Human Hair	Creates illusion of human presence	Needs to be replenished regularly
Blood Meal	Triggers fear response	May attract unwanted animals
Predator Decoys	Perceived threat to deer	May become less effective over time
Ultrasonic Devices	Non-chemical deterrent	May not be effective against all deer

Removal of Food Sources: Eliminating Temptations

Preventing deer from accessing appealing food sources in your garden is crucial for keeping them away. Implementing the following measures can effectively deter them:

Choose Deer-Resistant Plants:

Opt for plant varieties that are naturally unappealing to deer. These include aromatic herbs like rosemary, lavender, and sage, as well as certain ornamental plants like daffodils, irises, and hellebores.
Cover Plants with Netting:

Install physical barriers around vulnerable plants to prevent deer from reaching them. Use chicken wire, bird netting, or deer fencing to create a protective canopy over seedlings or newly planted areas.
Use Repellents:

Apply deer repellents containing ingredients that deer find unpalatable. Commercial repellents often use capsaicin (found in chili peppers), putrescent eggs, or predator urine. However, note that repellents may lose effectiveness over time and require reapplication.
Remove Fallen Fruit and Berries:

Promptly clean up any fallen fruits or berries that attract deer. Use a rake or broom to sweep up these potential food sources.
Fertilize Sparingly:

Deer are attracted to lush vegetation. Avoid over-fertilizing your garden, as it can stimulate excessive growth of attractive plants for deer.
Properly Dispose of Garden Waste:

Do not compost or pile up garden debris containing deer-attracting materials, as it can become a feeding ground for these animals.
Create a Perimeter:

Plant a row of deer-resistant plants around the perimeter of your garden to create a natural barrier and deter deer from entering.
Hunt Legally:

In areas where deer hunting is legal and ethical, it can be an effective way to manage deer populations. Consult with local wildlife authorities for regulations and guidelines.

Motion-Activated Devices:

Consider using motion-activated devices, such as sprinklers or ultrasonic repellers. These devices startle deer and deter them from approaching.

Method	Effectiveness
Deer-Resistant Plants	Moderately effective
Netting or Fencing	Highly effective
Repellents	Moderately effective, requires reapplication
Fallen Fruit Removal	Highly effective
Moderate Fertilizing	Moderately effective

Patience and Persistence: A Long-Term Approach

Keeping deer out of your garden requires patience and a long-term approach. Here are some additional details on the importance of patience and persistence:

10. Repeat Deterrents Regularly

Deer are creatures of habit, so they will often return to the same areas to feed. To prevent them from establishing a regular feeding pattern in your garden, repeat deer deterrents regularly. This includes reapplying sprays, motion-activated devices, and physical barriers as needed.

A consistent approach is key to deterring deer and preventing them from damaging your plants. By being patient and persistent, you can create a safe and deer-free environment for your garden.

Here is a table summarizing the importance of patience and persistence in keeping deer out of your garden:

Patience and Persistence	Benefits
Repeated deterrents	Prevents deer from establishing regular feeding patterns
Long-term approach	Creates a lasting, deer-free environment
Consistency	Deterrent effectiveness increases over time

How To Keep Deer Out Of Garden

Deer can be a real nuisance to gardeners, as they love to eat all kinds of plants, including flowers, vegetables, and fruits. If you’re tired of deer ruining your garden, there are a few things you can do to keep them out.
One of the most effective ways to keep deer out of your garden is to fence it in. A fence that is at least 8 feet tall will be difficult for deer to jump over, and it will also deter them from trying to crawl under it. However, it’s important to check for any damage to your fence, as deer may find small hole and try to come in.

If you don’t want to fence in your entire garden, you can try using deer repellent. There are a variety of deer repellents on the market, both natural and chemical. Natural deer repellents include things like cayenne pepper, garlic, and peppermint oil. Chemical deer repellents are typically more effective, but they can also be harmful to pets and children. Therefore, it is important to read and follow the instructions on the product label carefully.

In addition to fencing and repellents, there are a few other things you can do to keep deer out of your garden. One is to plant deer-resistant plants. There are a number of plants that deer don’t like to eat, such as marigolds, lavender, and rosemary. If you plant these types of plants in your garden, it will be less appealing to deer.

Another way to keep deer out of your garden is to make it look unappealing. Deer are attracted to gardens that are lush and green, so try to avoid over-watering your plants and keep your lawn mowed. You should also remove any fallen fruit or vegetables from your garden, as these can attract deer.