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by: Marilyn Pokorney
Deer are the
most difficult of all pests to deter from a garden. They love many different
plants. Flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs are all on their menu.
The best way to keep deer out of a garden is by using a fence that is
at least 6 feet high. If it's a small garden that may be feasible but
for large gardens or yards, the cost is prohibitive, or possibly not
practical.
So the only other choice is deterrents.
Deer don't like the smell of raw eggs, fish products, kelp, or ammonia.
Any spray made from these products can be used. Just mix the product
of choice in water and spray the plants to be protected.
Deer don't like the smell of soap either. Some gardeners have especially
found success with Dial and Zest brands.
Blood meal scattered around the garden is another good deterrent.
Since deer don't like capsaicin, the ingredient that makes peppers hot,
a spray made from chili peppers deters deers.
Hang fragrant fabric-softener strips, and small nylon bags filled with
human hair on trees around the garden.
Some gardeners have found success by laying chicken wire on the ground
about six feet wide around the perimeter of the garden. The deer don't
like to walk on it because their hooves get stuck in the loops of the
wire.
Try planting time-released garlic capsules at the bases of trees or
shrubs or in the rows of plants to be protected.
There is a wide variety of plants that deer won't eat. A list of what
they like and don't like can be obtained from your local county cooperative
extension office.
For even more deterrents visit:
http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/yardiacdeercontrol.htm
Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
About The Author
Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves
crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
marilynp@nctc.net |
