Several weeks ago a friend asked me about deer resistant plants. I did a Google search and printed a list for her and didn’t think any more about it.

Then in a discussion the other day, someone suggested I write a column about deer in the garden. Fortunately, I don’t have much of a problem with deer, which means I have not done much reading on the subject. So I started to research. There are numerous books devoted entirely to the subject.

I did not put much time into looking at commercially available deer repellent because I don’t use chemicals and most of the non-chemical treatments, such as urine, need to be applied frequently which leads to an expensive and time consuming solution with minimal success. Some of the common methods we may have heard of that involve distraction, such as scarecrows and hanging shiny objects like tin plates or CDs, seem to work only for a very short period of time. Deer are very skittish so these methods work initially but the deer quickly adapt and lose their fear.

A couple methods that seem to be a little more successful are putting human hair in the garden, using soap shavings and using motion activated lights. In order for the hair method to work, it is suggested that you get hair from the barber or salon so that you will have the scent of many humans to deter the deer.

I am skeptical about the success of this method but read it many times so I thought it was worth mentioning.

Another suggestion is sprinkling soap shavings along the area where the deer enter the garden. This seems easy, would be inexpensive, and I can’t think of a downside so it is worth a try.

Perhaps the most logical idea to me is motion activated lights. This method would definitely work initially, and if it did not continue to work you would still have good security around your house.

A simple Google search will yield many lists of deer resistant plants. The most comprehensive list I found was from Rutgers University and can be found at www.njaes.rutgers.edu. Some deer resistant plants common to our area include lady banks rose, butterfly weed (a 2012 Mississippi Medallion Winner), bee balm, purple cornflower, yarrow, zinnia, lantana, cosmos and verbena.

Also, many herbs are deer resistant, including oregano, fennel, thyme, garlic and mint. In general, deer like plants with smooth, soft foliage, so they don’t like plants like lamb’s ear. An exception of course is roses, they seem to go after them whether or not they are a thornless variety.

It is also critical to avoid plants that attract deer such as hostas, impatiens, pansies, azaleas, lettuces, beans, peas, strawberries and peaches. Think about it, if your neighbor has these deer attracting plants and you have several plants the deer don’t like, they will go feast in your neighbor’s garden!

Of course if all else fails, you can build a fence but it will have to be 8-feet tall to keep the deer out. If you have tried something that works, please forward it along to me and I will share it.

Email your questions or comments to me at newsroom@natchezdemocrat.com.

 

Karen O’Neal is an Adams County Master Gardener.