Q:
We live in a rural setting, with deer coming through twice a day. Can you recommend a good physical structure/repellant plant combination to be able to grow a garden?
A:
Hello! Thank you for your question; this is a common battle amongst Oregon gardeners.
Discouraging deer on your property
- Build an 8-foot high fence. The only sure way to keep deer from your garden (vegetable or ornamental) is with a fence that is too tall for them to jump over.
- Consider growing deer-resistant plants. There are some plants, shrubs, and ornamental trees that are deer resistant, but even these are 'sampled' occassionally, mostly by young deer. Learn more about deer-resistant plants in the following resource: Deer-resistant plants for Central Oregon, OSU Extension
- Spray your plants. There are also some products on the market that you can spray on and around plants that have varying degrees of success. You can check with your local nursery for these products. Most of these products are not meant to be used on food plants, so please read the instructions and follow them closely.
Best of luck! Keep in mind, the land you live on belonged to the deer first, and it is natural for them to graze on plants from time to time.
For more tips, check out the following resource: Manage Wildlife Conflicts in Your Home and Garden, OSU Extension
Related content
Use pesticides safely!
- Wear protective clothing and safety devices as recommended on the label. Bathe or shower after each use.
- Read the pesticide label—even if you’ve used the pesticide before. Follow closely the instructions on the label (and any other directions you have).
- Be cautious when you apply pesticides. Know your legal responsibility as a pesticide applicator. You may be liable for injury or damage resulting from pesticide use.
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Living with wildlife
