Whenever you plant a garden, it’s always important to be aware of the different pests that may come along. If you have ever had issues with deer eating your plants, you know how frustrating it can be. Deer can be very destructive, and they seem to love eating plants in your garden. Fortunately, there are many plants that you can use to deter deer from coming near your property. This article will give you a list of some of the best plants to use. Keep reading to learn more!
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Oregano
Any gardener who has ever dealt with deer knows that they can be a real nuisance. Not only do they eat your plants, but they also trample them and leave behind droppings that can spread disease. While it may seem like there’s no way to keep deer out of your garden, there are a few things you can do to deter them. One of the most effective methods is to grow oregano.
Deer avoid eating oregano plants because of their intense aroma, so planting some around the perimeter of your garden should help keep them away. In addition, oregano is a versatile herb that you can use in various dishes, so you’ll enjoy its flavor and deer-deterring properties!
Lavender
While many products on the market claim to deter deer, one of the most effective solutions is also one of the most natural: lavender. Lavender emits a strong scent that deer find unpleasant, and so they will typically avoid areas where this herb is. In addition to deterring deer, lavender also repels other pests such as moths and mosquitoes. The herb is easy to grow and makes an attractive addition to any garden as a bonus.
To plant lavender, choose a sunny spot in your garden and dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant’s pot. Once you have done this, place the plant in the hole and fill it with soil. Water the lavender regularly and fertilize it once a month to ensure that it stays healthy. With a little bit of care, you’ll soon have a beautiful lavender plant that will keep deer away from your garden!
Marigolds
If you live in an area with many deer, you may have found that traditional methods of deterring them, such as fences and sprays, are not effective. However, another type of plant that can effectively deter deer is marigolds. Marigolds produce a strong scent that deer find offensive. In addition, the pungent taste of the leaves deters deer from eating them. As a result, planting marigolds around your garden can help to keep deer away.
When selecting marigolds, look for varieties that are especially effective at deterring deer, such as the French marigold. Dig a small hole and plant the seeds to plant the marigolds. Once the plants have grown, water them regularly and fertilize them as needed. You may also want to trim the leaves periodically to keep the scent from becoming too strong.
Russian Sage And Palo Verde Sage
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a beautiful and fragrant plant that is also very deer resistant. In comparison, the Palo Verde Sage (also known as the Sonoran Blue Sage) is another sage plant that is equally beautiful and just as helpful when deterring deer. Both of these plants are very easy to grow and require little maintenance. Making Russian sage and Palo Verde sage are two of the best choices for landscaping if you have deer in your area that might eat your plants.
Russian sage can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide, and Palo Verde sage can grow up to 5 feet tall and wide. Just keep in mind that they both need full sun to thrive. To plant these sages, dig a hole that is twice the width of the pot and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole and fill it with soil, tamping it down around the base of the plant. Water well to help settle the soil. These plants are drought tolerant once they are in the ground; you won’t need to water them often.
Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s ear is a common garden plant known for its soft, furry leaves. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region, but you can find it in gardens worldwide. Lamb’s ear is often an ornamental plant, but it also has many practical uses. For example, the fuzzy leaves can help deter deer from your garden.
Deer are attracted to gardens because they provide a rich source of food. However, they are often reluctant to eat plants with fuzz on them. As a result, planting lamb’s ear around the perimeter of your garden can help to keep deer out. In addition to deterring deer, lamb’s ear is also known for its medicinal properties. You can use the leaves to make a tea that effectively treats some ailments, such as colds and stomachaches.
Start with a seedling or young plant to grow the lamb’s ear. The plant is relatively easy to care for and does not require much attention. Water the plant when the soil is dry and provides it with plenty of sunlight. Lamb’s ear can be grown in both gardens and pots.
Daffodils
Daffodils are spring-flowering bulbs that can deter deer from your garden. The stems and leaves of daffodils contain a poisonous substance called lycorine, unpalatable to deer. In addition, the daffodil’s strong scent can be off-putting to deer. For these reasons, planting daffodils around the perimeter of your garden can help to keep deer away.
When planting daffodils, choosing a sunny location with well-drained soil is essential. Bulbs should be planted in the fall at three times their height. Once they have bloomed, daffodils will naturalize and spread over time, providing long-lasting deer deterrence.
Conclusion
Many different plants you can use to deter deer from your garden. All of them are effective at keeping deer away from lavender to daffodils. When selecting plants to deter deer, choosing those native to your area that require little maintenance is essential. Keep in mind that no matter what plants you choose, deer are always a possibility. The best way to deter them is to take as many proactive measures as possible. With a little bit of planning, you can keep your garden looking beautiful and deer-free.
