Gardenwright

 Deer Resistant Plants

Let’s face it… deer happen. You love them, right until they decide that your yard is the hottest new dining place in the neighborhood. But, we also don’t want a pack of wolves living in the neighborhood controlling the deer population. So, our only defense is common sense, deterrents and landscaping with plants deer reportedly don’t want to eat. This list is not deer proof. Under drought conditions all bets are off and your lush irrigated yard will look like a buffet. Plants are listed by common name and genus, because other species of the same genus are often, but not always, deer resistant.

OtHer Helpful Tips

• Using Milorganite fertilizer; deer seem to dislike the smell.

• Tying small mesh bags of human hair in and around your plants.

• Spraying shrubs with a solution of one egg beaten with a quart of water. Remember to clean your sprayer thoroughly afterwards. The deer will be able to smell rotten eggs, but you will not.

• Several commercial deterrents are available and they may work quite well.

Remember: This list is not deer proof. Under drought conditions all bets are off and your irrigated yard will look like a lush buffet. If you have successful methods to deter our furry friends let us know! We’ll add it to the list. Good Luck!