Watching deer and small animals graze is a beautiful sight --- until you realize they are grazing on your beautiful plants and vegetables. Deer populations, especially, have multiplied recently and have been causing distress for gardeners. Here are some simple, humane strategies to keep your garden from becoming supper for uninvited guests:
Oh, Deer!
Building a four-foot fence around your property will not do much to discourage a deer from jumping over and feasting on your vegetation. A fence built at least six-feet high (preferably eight) should do the trick.
Although somewhat unsightly, hanging bars of deodorant soap from trees throughout your property or garden will make deer skittish from this unfamiliar smell.
If you insist on going great lengths to deter deer from your garden, try this method: hang bags of human hair on the plants, crops or trees that are being devoured.
Anti-deer sprays and powders such as “Liquid Fence” or “Deer Scram” promise to stop deer and other animals from eating your flowers, shrubs and trees. These products are safe to use around pets and children, due to their organic ingredients. Just be sure to reapply often, as these products tend to lose efficacy after a period of time.
If all else fails, scare the deer away! A product called the “ScareCrow Outdoor Animal Deterrent” is a motion-activated sprinkler that repels deer, raccoons and heron with a startling burst of water. The idea is to teach the animal to avoid the area in the future.
Rabbit With a Bad Habit
Rabbits love to nibble on many tasty items in gardens. A simple way to avoid this problem is to select plants they do not find particularly palatable. These plants include: daises, poppies, narcissus, rudbeckia, lupine, verbascum and achillea.
A low fence that surrounds your garden will keep rabbits from eating what’s inside. Build this fence at least 18 inches high as well four inches underground since these fuzzy creatures tend to dig underneath structures.
