I've just moved to a new area that's full of deer, and I'm trying to figure out how to protect my garden. I've spoken to various friends and coworkers, but it seems like no one has a foolproof method to keep them away. I'm hoping to hear from some fellow gardeners who've dealt with this problem and still managed to make it worthwhile. If you have any tips or methods that I might not have come across yet, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
Strong-smelling plants can be effective! Growing mint and marigolds might help deter them while also keeping some pests away. You can also get creative by using a dog kennel as a garden space—running veggies up the sides works well too!
Check out hot-zone fencing from farming supply stores, even if it's out of stock right now. I originally used it for my hunting plots, and it’s been 100% effective against deer while keeping out smaller animals too.
That sounds great, but I have little kids and small dogs, so I need to be cautious about anything I use.
A solid first step is to put up a perimeter fence. Even a 4-foot high fence helps, but sometimes they can still get through. I've found that planting extra veggies like tomatoes just outside the main garden can distract them, but watch out—I've heard some sad stories about fawns getting sick from them.
That's really tragic! It's good to know, though. I guess I'll avoid putting out tomatoes then, especially if they can be harmful.
I love that idea, but I've heard mint can become invasive. Any tips on managing it?