Protecting Plants from Winter Deer Browsing
I’m getting ready to fence in the plants that need protection for the winter. My blueberries get eaten to the ground, if I don’t enclose them. The same goes for my hydrangeas, surprisingly. My problem is rabbits. When the branches get bent down by the snow the rabbits are at a good height to snip them off. Whether they eat them or just want the liquid inside, I don’t know.
If deer are the big problem in your garden, you’ve probably learned by hit and miss, what to plant in your garden. But a lot of gardeners take down their guard in the winter, thinking their plants are undercover. Since food is much more scarce in the winter, deer are less discerning. Their taste buds turn to evergreens. It can be quite a chore to wrap and protect every shrub on your property, not to mention an eye sore. Here’s a quick rundown of ways to protect plants from deer browsing. Unfortunately, deer fencing is the only sure fire method. But many sprays and deterrents can be equally effective, if you alternate their use and keep up with the applications. It seems alternating taste deterrents with scent deterrents prevents the deer from getting used to them.
Photo: © Marie Iannotti (2008) licensed to About.com, Inc.
Comments
I have found Plant Skyd to be highly effective in repelling deer from my plants. You can find it on line if you want to check it further. Happy gardening.
You’re right, Plantskydd is pretty good. It’s even organic and they make another product that’s supposed to deter just about every small creature from rabbits to chipmunks. Even voles. We’ll see.
I grow a deer resistant garden quite successfully here in my Chapel Hill, NC garden. There’s a very large herd that literally wanders through my flower garden at all times of the day and night. In my gardening blog, I share my results of planting “deer resistant” perennials. Of course, everyone’s experience can vary, depending upon the herd.
As for hydrangeas most bloom on new growth so it
really doesn’t matter if they get chomped as long as the roots survive.Blueberries develop on older wood so thats a problem!Chicken wire all around and some people have had good results with hanging fragrant soap bars like irish spring around them.Good luck!!Errrr!bambi!!!