Gardening Tips: Natural Deer Deterrent

By: Mary Anne Simpson

Deer are strict vegetarian. Co-existing with the deer in town or in the country requires planting items the deer do not like. There are at least 600 plants that deer either find offensive or simply do not like. Interestingly sage is one plant that deer do not like. Other plants include Peony, Poppy, Mock Orange and Morning Glory to name a few. A list of vegetables and plants by their common name can be viewed at deer-departed.com

There are numerous products on the market that promise to deter deer from eating up your ornamental plants and vegetable gardens. Some products are abhorrent to deer. Specifically, blood meal is disliked by deer. The only problem here is that blood meal has a raunchy smell that most humans do not like either. If you enjoy evenings in the garden, the aroma of blood meal emanating from the garden is not a welcome smell.

Other items suggested by various self help web sites include using human hair, soap, creosote, rotten eggs and garlic. Some of these techniques can be further reviewed by checking out: homemade deer repellent recipes. The problems with all of these home products and commercial products is that while they may deter the deer they also deter human beings.
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Wind Chimes and Garden Ornaments:
 
The other unique feature of deer is their sense of hearing. While many deer have become accustom to human beings because of their change in habitat, they do not like sharp or unexplained clanging sounds. It is a feature intrinsic to the deer and a survival mechanism. If the deer hears sharp, or even clanking sounds they usually will speedily make an exit.

I moved a chime and bell ornament near the plant area I was trying to protect. For larger areas I have heard about using tin pie plates affixed to one another and clanking objects within the plates. All you need to do is hang them from ornamental trees and shrubs.

Co-existing with urban deer is a challenge for gardeners, but wise planning will make the task easier and mutually beneficial to you and the deer population.