Deer are the most difficult of all pests to deter from a
garden. They love many different plants. Flowers,
vegetables, trees and shrubs are all on their menu.
The best way to keep deer out of a garden is by using a
fence that is at least 6 feet high. If it's a small garden
that may be feasible but for large gardens or yards, the
cost is prohibitive, or possibly not practical.
So the only other choice is deterrents.
Deer don't like the smell of raw eggs, fish products, kelp,
or ammonia. Any spray made from these products can be used.
Just mix the product of choice in water and spray the plants
to be protected.
Deer don't like the smell of soap either. Some gardeners
have especially found success with Dial and Zest brands.
Blood meal scattered around the garden is another good
deterrent.
Since deer don't like capsaicin, the ingredient that makes
peppers hot, a spray made from chili peppers deters deer.
Hang fragrant fabric-softener strips, and small nylon bags
filled with human hair on trees around the garden.
Some gardeners have found success by laying chicken wire on
the ground about six feet wide around the perimeter of the garden. The deer don't like to walk on it because their hooves get stuck in the loops of the wire.
Try planting time-released garlic capsules at the bases of trees or shrubs or in the rows of plants to be protected.
There is a wide variety of plants that deer won't eat. A list of what they like and don't like can be obtained from your local county cooperative extension office.
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