I've got a garden in an area overrun by deer, and I can't fence off my beds. I'm looking for effective deer deterrents because I really want to grow some hostas and hydrangeas without them turning into a buffet for the deer. Does anyone have tips or solutions that actually work?
4 Answers
In my yard, I've got a range of plants that the deer seem to avoid, like coral bells and yarrow. However, keeping an eye on what you're planting might help; some varieties do better against deer!
Try planting strong-smelling herbs and flowers like lavender, sage, or even marigolds. They tend to avoid those. Also, manure might help as well. Just be mindful about reapplying them regularly since they're not foolproof.
Honestly, the best defense against deer is solid fencing; nothing else really works reliably. If there was a magic solution, trust me, everyone would be using it by now. Deer might shy away from certain plants, but if they're hungry, they'll come regardless.
I've had similar issues! The only plants I've managed to keep safe are daffodils and bleeding hearts. I tried a deer deterrent spray, but it didn't work great for long. I ended up using a chicken coop as a makeshift fence, and that worked wonders! Just make sure it’s sturdy and maybe combine it with some netting or hoops to keep them away.
Totally agree! They will eat almost anything if they're desperate enough. It's a tough battle.