How do you keep deer from eating your flower garden???

Question

I have spent so much $$$ on my perennials and I have a lone doe that loves to just come to the colorful buffet and eat them all - right down to the groundl!! How do I prevent her from doing this and to prevent future fawna from doing this!!!!

Just as an FYI - I too come from a hunting family - but this isn't hunting season - YET. Bambi Beware! However I'd prefer a more natural way - I'll give the websites listed here a try. Thanks All!

Answer 1

Deer usually only eat the tips of plants, so maybe rabbits are helping her.


Plant a border of daffodils 5' wide to discourage deer, rabbits and most other pests.

Here are some other ideas:

http://www.carolinacountry.com/StoryPages/howtos/deeroutofgarden2.html

Answer 2

Duh, deer meat is really good food silly. Get your hunting license and a big gun and shoot the deer. Problem solved.

Ok, then Hunter, Try this. Since you won't kill em and eat em.
www.deerout.com

Deer Out Deer Repellent

If that doesn't work dig a moat and line it sharpened wooden stakes at the bottom. Anything that falls in will surely die. Then you can cook it and eat it. Hmm. Put some caution tape around the area with signs to warn the stupid humans that you dug a moat with killer stakes. I don't believe that can read, too bad for them. An added bonus is that now no one can enter your flower garden. Be sure to install a draw bridge so that you can get across. Later you can add water and gators as a nice water feature for your garden. Let me know when you get her finished, I would love to see the finished product. Good luck.

Answer 3

It works on 99.9% of the time and gives you a fighting chance against deer, raccoons, squirrels and birds in your garden... I use a device which is motion activated, and is connects to my garden hose. It sends a sizable blast of water in an arc that startles the animal away from the area you want to protect. We ordered ours from Harbor Freight Tools, but you can pick up a "Scare Crow" (http://www.contech-inc.com/videos/scarecrow/crowloop_high.wmv)
or similar pest deterrent at most large garden centers. (They range in price from about $50. - $80.) Be sure to change the location of the device occasionally so the animals will continue to be surprised... and hopefully they'll leave your plants alone. Remember, it must be ON in order to work! I lost a number of tulips and astilbe when the gadget was turned off. Oh, it WILL catch you off guard a few times, so you'll see for yourself that it DOES work!

Answer 4

They do not like the scents of humans and dogs! I was listening to this same problem on the radio Saturday morning and they said to get dog poop ans place it around the perimeter of the yard if at all possible or the urine of humans or dogs as they do not like either of us. I don't know if this will work. But they also mentioned perfumes be sprayed on a routine bases could accomplish the same. Think about it when they smell us down wind they run like heck! Try it. What do you have to loose?

Answer 5

A shotgun or you can go down to your local Home and Garden and have them recommend a spray repellent. The other thing to ask when you are there is what plants are less likely to be eaten by deer in your area.

Answer 6

I just love how violence is the first answer out there, guys!!

Well, while I can't say for myself, at least I'll *offer* a non-violent solution. Link below to an eHow.com step-by-step natural homemade concoction they recommend.

From husband -- who, yes, is a hunter and we eat venison, but in season and from acceptable hunting lands -- scented soap shavings like Irish Spring, or sprinkles of cigarette tobacco.

Second link below: another eHow.com, but tips from users.

Good luck!!

Answer 7

Hi Tinkerbell! It sounds cute though it may b annoying for you who is growing the garden.

Unless you put a fence in between I do not know how else. Maybe leave some other greens for the doe to eat?

Answer 8

Try sprinkling garlic powder on top of them. It makes them sneeze, seems they don't like that. Don't like the taste, either. The x-mas tree farms put it in capsules(attached to the tops) to keep them from eating them, in Ore. You can get it at the $1.00 store. Finally, get to see my roses, glades, and lilies.

Answer 9

Shoot it. That way you have a nice garden AND some good deer meat.

Answer 10

http://dir.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/pests/2000053920004911.html
Here are many suggestions.. Hey! try them all!!
I used the Ivory Soap suggestion when I lived in the mtns..
Good Luck!!
CeaCea