Deer in the Garden: Prevention and Protection

Deer are lovely but devastate gardens overnight, nibbling tender shoots and flowers. They've learned that gardens on urban edges offer reliable food.

Though not picky, strong-smelling and bad-tasting plants are last eaten. Tastes vary by area—check with Cooperative Extension for local deer-resistant lists.

Fencing

Most certain protection. Fences 7–8 ft high on level ground, up to 10 ft on slopes. Chicken-wire cylinders protect individual young plants. Motion-activated water-spraying hoses can be effective at night.