• Ask Mark
    • Search the Library
    • Mark’s Blog
    • eNewsletter / Subscribe
    • Books
    • Links
  • Cullen’s Foods
  • Trees For Life
  • Events
    • Gardening Communities
  • About Mark
    • Mark and Ben’s Bio
    • Book Mark as a Speaker
    • Mark in the Media
    • Contact Us
March 20, 2013

Oh Deer

When I asked you what you wanted to read about in The Garden Shed, I had a few people interested in deer-proof gardens. Come back next week to read about mice, skunks, and raccoons.

Deer-Resistant Plants

Unfortunately, a hungry deer will eat, or at least browse, almost any plant. Here is a list of plants that deer will GENERALLY avoid. I emphasize generally because deer vary from coast to coast and what deer in Ontario might not enjoy may be loved by deer in Saskatchewan.

  • Amsonia
  • Bleeding Heart
  • Brunnera
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Columbine
  • Coralbells
  • Coreopsis
  • Daphne
  • Daphodils
  • Daylilies
  • Evening Primrose
  • Hens and Chicks
  • Jack-in-the-Pulpit
  • Lambs’ ears
  • Lily-of-the-Valley
  • Lungwort
  • Miscanthus
  • Monarda
  • Most ferns
  • Purple Coneflower
  • Shasta Daisy
  • Spirea
  • Strongly scented herbs – rosemary, thyme, oregano, mint, etc.

Repellents

I always recommend Bobbex: it is kid, pet, and environmentally friendly and is my number one choice for repelling deer on my country property. I like it because I can plant whatever I want and not have to worry about it being attacked by deer over night.

There are a few other remedies that I have heard about and will list them here although I have never tested them so don’t know how effective they are.

  • Mesh bags of human hair hung from trees
  • Bars of soap hung from trees
  • Fabric softener sheets
  • Eggs
  • Garlic

Plastic Guards

Winter browsing damage is one of the worst things for a newly planted tree or shrub. Using a tree guard can help keep the bark intact and prevent further winter damage. They only protect the trunk, however, so small trees may have their low-growing branches nibbled.

Biodegradable Guards

These are similar to the plastic guards and offer the same type of trunk protection. Instead of being made from plastic, they are biodegradable and will break down in 2-3 years.

Fencing

The most obvious and really the only 100% effective solution is to put up a fence. On a country property, however, this is often less than ideal as one who is living in the country is probably not the type to close in their yard, keeping in mind that deer have no troubles hopping a 6 foot fence. It is effective though and if the deer in your area are unbelievable persistent, it may be your only option other than living with them.

BobbexBannerLogo

← Previous post
Make Arrangements Now for Arrangements Later

Next post →
Skunks, Raccoons and Mice

Search

Recent Posts

  • Signs of Spring March 27, 2021
  • Around the Acres This Week February 2, 2021
  • Around the Acres This Week January 11, 2021
  • Around the Acres This Week December 9, 2020

Mark’s Blog by Month

Ask Mark

  • eNewsletter
  • Radio/Podcast
  • Magazine article
  • Newspaper column
  • TV

Recent Tweets

Mark Cullen Follow

Best selling Canadian gardening author as seen on TV, radio, online and print.

MarkCullen4
12 Jan

This was a great way to start the new year. Congratulations, Landscape Ontario, on this milestone! Thanks to all who made it happen. We’re looking forward to the next one.

#TreesForLife #Congress #LOCongress #ClimateAction #GoGreen #HOHTC

Reply on Twitter 1613670790612017153 Retweet on Twitter 1613670790612017153 5 Like on Twitter 1613670790612017153 5 Twitter 1613670790612017153
14 Nov

Likewise, Rocco!

Reply on Twitter 1592247424441290752 Retweet on Twitter 1592247424441290752 Like on Twitter 1592247424441290752 3 Twitter 1592247424441290752
3 Nov

The Highway of Heroes Tree Tribute will grow for generations.

Over 2 million trees for the women and men who have served in the @CanadianForces since Confederation. @MarkCullen4 @HOHTribute @CdnTreesforLife
https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/over-two-million-trees-planted-along-highway-of-heroes-in-eight-year-long-tribute-to-veterans-1.6136352

Reply on Twitter 1588203194349285377 Retweet on Twitter 1588203194349285377 2 Like on Twitter 1588203194349285377 5 Twitter 1588203194349285377
3 Nov

A very special day- with thanks for your support going back to the beginning of this campaign!

Reply on Twitter 1587983198251847681 Retweet on Twitter 1587983198251847681 2 Like on Twitter 1587983198251847681 10 Twitter 1587983198251847681

Comments are closed.

About Mark and Ben


Mark Cullen is an expert gardener, author & broadcaster and holds the Order of Canada. His son Ben is a fourth-generation urban gardener and graduate of Guelph and Dalhousie University.
More

Find Mark On

Sponsored Links

Highway of Heroes cullensfoods Share Agriculture Foundation Harrowsmith
© Mark Cullen. Go to top ↑