How I keep deer from eating my plants | The Impatient Gardener

The question I'm asked most often is: How do you keep deer from eating your plants?
In this video I'm showing what methods work for me, what I use and what I think about the new and expensive backpack sprayer I bought this year.
You may also be interested in this article: www.theimpatie...
Links to all the products I mention (Some sponsored and affiliate links may appear. I may make a small commission if you purchase through these links. Thanks for your support. You can see all my favorite products on my Amazon storefront at www.amazon.com...
Field King backpack sprayer: amzn.to/33z6v5x
Messina Deer Stopper 2 concentrate (2.5 gallon, most economical): amzn.to/30nEY4G
Messina Deer Stopper 1-gallon concentrate: amzn.to/30mcgRW
Plantskydd spray: amzn.to/3i3XbdA
Bobbex spray: amzn.to/31f7On9
Homemade deer repellent recipe (also available here: www.theimpatie...)
Homemade deer repellent
4 eggs
1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon black pepper
A couple drops of dishwashing detergent (to help it stick to leaves)
Whole garlic cloves, crushed or smashed (I probably throw 6 in but just put in whatever you have)
Put all the ingredients in a rinsed out gallon milk jug and fill the rest with water. Shake thoroughly. Then set it out in the sun for a few days. You want it to get good and nasty. After it has “fermented” a bit, dilute it about 4:1 and sprinkle it all over everything.
____________________________________________
My name is Erin and I love sharing inspiration and information with real-life gardeners. I live and garden in southeastern Wisconsin, zone 5.
#DeerRepellent #GardenwithDeer #TheImpatientGardener
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[@Melissa-gg8xc]

"Let's be honest, you guys, I'm not doing that math, I just sorta eyeball it." ... which is EXACTLY why I love your videos.

[@sherryhudson9075]

My daughter had a deer problem in her yard until a neighbor told her about using a radio. She would set the radio in the area the deer were eating. Turned it on all night talk radio, and the deer wouldn’t come near. Cheap and effective.

[@LIMABN]

FM talk radio 'would drive me away- LOL!

[@theloniousm4337]

Talk radio is all well and good but what if you have conservative deer?

[@theheritagehousesc]

😂😂😂 Nothing keeps mine away. They don’t even move even if I run after them😂

[@hal7ter]

WE kept a radio on and it kept the coons out of the corn, but radio all summer long (young cabbages, hostas, mature cabbages) I couldn't deal with that!

[@flyswatter6470]

@@theloniousm4337 try PBS

[@billzero7274]

I use Liquid Fence for Deer and rabbit. I also purchased a back pack garden sprayer at Harbor Freight for around $30.00. I have had it approx 5 years, use it all summer every year and it is still working great !

[@carresteigerwald3278]

Thats what I use and it works very well.

[@clarechomyn9686]

Thank you for the sprayer info

[@smdirksen28]

You’re hilarious! I live in a national forest and so many deer issues. I will say that motion sensor sprinklers are awesome and kind of game changer in keeping deer out of garden beds.

[@preciousgirl3011]

Could you please tell what kind do you use? Thanks!

[@HollcomeTook]

That actually sounds like a good idea.

[@ttb1513]

A "game changer"??! So what type of game do you get instead of deer? Lol Kidding aside, (which ‘kids’ are goats, right?) I just deployed a motion activated sprinkler. Good to know they can work. Hopefully I find myself ‘fawning’ over my sprinkler.

[@amyp8162]

You look like a botanical ghost buster in this vid

[@TheImpatientGardener]

That's my Halloween costume!

[@starone38]

She’s still pretty woman in the whole yard....😉🥰

[@sandy-rr1by]

i am considerably older than you are, so my 1 or 2 gallon sprayers are quite heavy to haul around. i set the filled sprayer in the red wagon the grands outgrew.

[@careneicke9185]

Great idea! I use my riding mower, I put the garden spray between my feet and ride around spraying weeds to kill and for deer.

[@alsferra630]

You covered it all! Especially the advice to spray weekly in Spring etc. I have used Liquid Fence deer repellent for over 14 years. We are able to have tulips, hostas etc (close to the house) as long as we spray consistently… I would also suggest to spray in evening. That way the smell is fresh when deer come by. I have seen leaf burn if I spray when sunny.. 9:47 Set a Sunday night reminder….

[@CarolZone8A]

After having new hosta plants eaten before I even got them in the ground, I went the fishing line route. I was planting a long shade garden at the edge of the woods so made a 'fence’ of fishing line that the deer can't see at night. Easy to string around bed area using trees at 3 feet or so high - could also use stakes, but I didn’t need to since at the edge of woods. I also spray occasionally just to mix it up a bit and discourage the little guys. So far, I've added mu;triple hosta this summer with only the first-time fatalities. As my garden areas grow along the woods, I may well try the spray you recommend since my vision for that shade area will rely on lots more hosta. Enjoy your channel!!

[@52janethatcher]

Fishing line works for me also. I live in the woods too. Also Plant Skydd works well and lasts a long time. Sometimes I make a lighter solution just because... Mainly new growth.

[@dustyacres]

@@52janethatcher Thanks for the comments, can I ask how you put your string up and how far away from the bed or plants and what size string did you use

[@janetnorris2255]

@@52janethatcher yes I would also like to know how you went about it. I did it but evidently I didn’t put the lines close enough or something

[@lauragreen4899]

I love the idea of using fishing line to create an invisible fence. I could definitely do this at the back of my yard where the woods start. Thank you for the great idea.

[@Max-hq2jm]

Fishing line will cut their legs. I've seen it and it's not pretty. I have a herd of 8, and am at my wit's end, but I just can't resort to harming them.

[@sharongauss9298]

The Deer Stopper tape soaked in the solution works great and reusable for years. We attach it to stakes in the ground around our flower beds and it has broken the deer paths through our property

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Oh that’s great to know! I haven’t tried that. Maybe I’ll get some for winter.

[@celinedavis2189]

I do feel your pain! I laughed out loud about the egg spray plugging issue. I moved to the Long Beach peninsula in Washington, 7 years ago, with 50 rose bushes and gardening plans. I finally got closer to keeping them out of the roses with commercial deer spray, but as you said, rain is no help for that. I finally bought two sets of 7 foot tall metal arches and stood them up in my 34 ft by 6 ft homage to Monet's Grand Alley and surrounded them with heavy duty deer mesh. My fondest moment was one morning looking down on my masterpiece watching a deer standing on the outside looking in at my newly budding roses. He gave up and went looking for something else. Will be going through more of your tubes for more insight. Cheers!

[@katiejo1095]

I have counrty property in zone 9. Deer breed on my property, what a challenge! I tried everything from Deer Stopper to hanging bars of Ivory Soap! I desperately wanted some roses which they kept eating up. I caged florabunda roses under an eight foot trellis. When they were tall enough I took the cages off and now the deer eat everything up to 6 feet or so, and my roses are like tall beautiful rose trees. Deer love flowers and will try everything when you first plant, so cage until they are rooted enough that the deer can't pluck them out of the ground. On my property I have no fences but you can keep them out with solid fences, if they cannot see through they wont jump it. If they can see through the will jump or bolt through wire fences! After 25 years of struggling with them I no longer use fences, I just plant all tried and true plants that deer do not eat: Succulents (all types) Lilies Daffodil Rosemary Thyme Iris Daisy Lavender Tarragon Oregano Sage Mint Nasturtium Peonies Onion Cactus Jasmine Poppies Dandelion (it is a plant not just a weed 😊) Deer dont eat pungent plants and plants that grow from a bulb or rhizomes. Many of these plants flower and are fragrant.

[@jberry4851]

I used this method for the first time this year...the backpack is a dream!! My husband joked about my purchase until he watched it in use. Now he has ordered one for his yard projects (I won't share). Thank you for this very helpful video!!

[@wdfamily_027]

You were hilarious talking to that deer, a lot nicer than I’ve been, lol! They eat my some of my roses but not all of them, weird... Never touch my lilies or my hydrangeas either. Now I’ve done it, put it out there, lol!

[@sandy-rr1by]

"HEY, ONWARD"... dasher, dancer... gotta say this is your most entertaining vid yet!!!

[@robertmcevoy24]

The tank from Ghostbusters now going after Deer ! We’ve had success with a motion sprinkler they set it off and the run like the dickens. We had a Buck staring at us in the front window sticking its tongue out at my wife the Gardner with her newly planted Day lily hanging offs it’s lips! That’s when I installed the motion sprinkler so far so good.

[@marysmith9934]

The deer were eating my flowers so I bought corn for them. They ate the corn and had the flowers for dessert. I make deer repellent that works good, but my yard is smaller than yours.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

I just burst out laughing at your comment, so funny! =D

[@debrabelton3161]

😅🤣😂

[@mattthomas1430]

But corn can kill deer

[@lsherylc2524]

They love it - eat whole Bags of chicken feed

[@mydailybread777]

Hey, just a note to let you know that the deer hate the smell of ivory soap. I hang baggies in my fruit trees and no longer have any deer damage. I learned this little trick from the local Mennonites. They even grate it up and sprinkle it on the perimeter of their gardens. Edited note: I don't recommend spraying soap in liquid form on your plants as it will often kill the leaves. A very watered down mix might work but try it on something you don't care if it dies...or a weed first...ha ha

[@tinamerritt8572]

I will try your suggestions! Those stinkers ate cosmos, okra, sunflowers, hibiscus, ancho peppers, lilies, milkweed, and of course my roses all in ONE NIGHT!! I have over an acre of gardens planted. As bummed as I was to see it, I replanted and will try the repellents. I live in Florida and will have to apply often as it rains heavily here through the season. ❤️

[@kathleenem9207]

So sorry- that was so much hard work spoiled. I’ve been there. I vacillate with wanting to kill them in the summer and wanting to feed them through a rough winter. Weird.

[@SeaBatiste]

Early in the season I planted some garlic cloves in the same bed. I don't plan to eat the garlic I just want the smell as the deer hate it(or so I've read). Later in the season I planted some society garlic near my hydrangeas. This plant has beautiful edible flowers and leaves. SO FAR SO GOOD!

[@jchampagne3609]

I live in northern WI and deer resistant plants is a thing of fantasies 😂😭😭😭 come fall NOTHING is deer resistant 🙃 I use deer stopper currently and I’ve used what I can find at walmart - liquid fence... the liquid fence has worked fine through summer but all bets are off in the fall - have to stay very diligent. 🤞🏻we’ll see how deer stopper does 🤞🏻I also put up physical barriers where I can - they are savages 😂😂😂

[@christinenovack6048]

Northern Wisconsin here too! Worse is neighbors who feed the local deer population. They aren't afraid of my dog or me & stomp their feet at me when I try to chase them out of my yard. Very frustrating!

[@leighcontella811]

I live in Birmingham, AL in a large neighborhood, and have never seen deer and armadillo damage like this place (been here 4 years). My neighbor has trapped FOUR armadillos this summer already. We deal with lots of rabbits as well. I have used a lot of products in the yard, including Bobbex, dog hair, cayenne pepper, but have settled on spraying Liquid Fence and sprinkling another repellent. This is the first year I have hostas! Every summer I look out to see if the deer have wandered by the “salad bar,” to have a meal. This year, I was very faithful early on with the spray and I think that made a difference. I also did what Erin did, and sprayed head level of the perimeter of my yard. So far, so good. I’ve also learned that deer resistant isn’t really a thing if they are hungry. This experience has taught me so much! Great info here, so thank you!

[@derrongoodengardenandlifes8655]

I have to deal with squirrels, raccoons and skunks and I thought I had it bad, but deer problems are another level.

[@chines68]

Don't forget the rabbits. And we have box turtles that love our strawberries.

[@Wou285]

A-chasing the wild deer and following the roe... You are so nice and it is to interesting to listen to you.

[@kathrynowens2678]

Great post! Our holy grail is Bobex! We've used for a good 7 years now. Hubby has reminder on his phone for every 2 weeks. You are so right though as to what they prefer to eat in different locations. Our deer here in Washington don't touch hostas. When I lived in Minnesota, they ate them like candy.

[@rondatignor2300]

Milorganite fertilizer spread along my garden perimeter has worked beautifully for me for several years. I apply it by hand about every 3 months...easy peasy.

[@janig2831]

Is that fertilizer deer repellent?? 🤔

[@rondatignor2300]

@@janig2831 it's not advertised as a deer repellent I don't think. But it's the best I have found. Yes, melorganite is a fertilizer.

[@great-garden-watch]

Brilliant suggestion to have a four foot fence and another four foot fence. This is so helpful. This idea saved my garden. I have a four foot fence around my garden. And i have only a few places where the deer could jump. So i moved my garden swing in front of one area and a cage i have for apple trees in front of the other accessible fence section! So far so good.

[@beebop9808]

Thanks! Tried electric fencing. Works great but it has to be permanent and always hot. Like other animals they will test it with their noses once they know it's there. If they don't sense power it's game on. I hunted for a very long time but no longer do. I have a small herd of deer that live with me here now and I try to coexist with them. Beautiful and interesting critters. We just have our arguments.

[@deezahm9143]

😄Oh my word, you shaming the deer, and using your dog as a potential "weapon" was as funny as me taking after a hawk, perched on my deck rail, eating the head off a sparrow, and me thinking I can get it with a broom! P.S. My yellow lab was no help either. 😂😂😂

[@emkn1479]

I used your recipe a few times and it worked (I think..? Who knows the mind of deer.). I used a fine mesh strainer to strain out solids when pouring into my pump sprayer and it didn’t clog for me 🤷‍♀️ I also bought the Deer Stopper 2 and it seems to work. I just noticed a demolished hosta, it’s time to spray again! P.S. I kept thinking you were saying “egg salads” and I sat here with a confused look for a minute 🤦‍♀️

[@kellystinnette8932]

I thought she said egg salads too. Lol

[@renejohnson37]

Me too!

[@AnniePhalange]

Me too!

[@chorton38305]

I never did understand what she said, what was it?

[@emkn1479]

craig horton “Egg solids”is the key ingredient in deer repellant sprays. But she forgot the lovely adjective they use on packaging - “putrescent” 🤢 I let my homemade batch sit a long time and I can attest to that description!

[@allyssaschneider8728]

I don't even have deer and I just watched your video from beginning to end. Dang, you're good!

[@nancyneve6811]

The snow clip made my day!

[@Pets-n-Treats]

Yes, they try a lot of different things. Deer didn't use to mess with my raspberries but a fawn tried them one year now my raspberries have been nibbled down to the shin height every year since. She clearly tried it and liked it.

[@yogagirl949]

My husband will fill the backpack sprayer on an outdoor table. Then he backs into it to slip the shoulder/hip straps on. It’s so heavy he has to lean forward at first to walk!

[@loriswain8140]

I use liquid fence for the deer but I also deal with a stinkin armadillo! I will put cayenne pepper around the base of the plants. Works most of the time. Depends how hungry he is I guess. Thanks for the other options of repellent.

[@tjdrama3808]

Just a little tip. No such thing as “deer resistant plants”. When the deer herds get to big and the winter comes and they get hungry cause of the lack of food, deer will eat the siding off your house if they think it has nutrients in it. The BEST way to keep your garden deer free is to hunt them. I know some of you don’t want to hear that, but if we don’t hunt them they will literally starve to death. They’ll get to a place where their numbers will be to great and they will eat everything until theirs nothing left and they will ALL starve.

[@chines68]

Isn't it kind of funny that so many people are against hunting for food that will be eaten (e.g., deer), but they're having hamburgers for supper through a much crueller system of food obtainment than shooting a deer and field dressing it. My dad was a hunter, as were almost all farmers, and we ate squirrel, rabbit, and birds that he shot. He wasn't a deer hunter, but we obtained deer meat from those who were.

[@maxinemcclurd1288]

@@chines68 I too am from a subsistence hunting family and can't wait for it to be deer season so my son or neighbor or someone who knows my plight will take out the deer currently eating my garden .I can't wait for tenderloin and revenge for my poor plants..

[@celinedavis2189]

That's what my son says.

[@clarechomyn9686]

@maxinemcclurd1288 I agree with you! I look forward to having my son thin the herd. Out of about 800 -900 daylily blooms I saw about 4 this year. I did spray but wasn't fast enough after a heavy rain fall.

[@staceyfrey2726]

You are so nice about asking the deer to leave your garden! I usually run outside screaming “get the h*ll out of here, you over grown goat” Always I put up new wind chimes this and started using Repells-all and only have been visited by a deer once this spring/ summer

[@wendyperez8714]

I love your sense of humor. Subscribed!

[@bluesky7226]

Oh my gosh. That it's how I talk to my deer too! My family thinks I'm silly! Unfortunately deer don't have the same list of deer repellent plants that we do, so it really does depend on your location and the number of deer that come to your yard.

[@connielynn7236]

Yes!! Thanks for doing this video! We currently don’t have a deer problem but we will be moving to the country in the spring where I’m sure there will be plenty! Good to know deer resistant plants may not be resistant after all. I will definitely be going the spraying route!

[@hollieallan7262]

Hanging pieces of Irish spring soap works! I saw on a video in an orchard, they hung pieces every 2-3 trees. I am trying it in zone 3 Canada and it is working!!

[@NYMusic89563]

Aww that teddy bear 🧸 so cute 💙

[@jessicah.4274]

This video cracked me up mostly when you were talking to the deer and remembering my dad fondly and all his choice words he had for them growing up in the country in Central WI with the acres of forest in our backyard...quite the dichotomy there. 😂 Anyway, I don't have deer problems thank goodness but I have a terrible squirrel problem and occasional rabbit problem and interestingly enough just found Squirrel Stopper and Animal Stopper from Messina at Ace Hardware, (which includes rabbits) and both work fabulous! I have tried soo many things for squirrels and this claims to actually keep them from foraging in feeders (although I've never tried that), rainproof and good for 30 days. I use them as barrier sprays and not on the plants themselves as I have found that they actually burn them so if I don't want them in a bed, garden, or pot I just spray the outside of it. I just thought I would throw that out there in case people don't that they make other organically-based similar products.

[@vgil1278]

Those squirrels used to give me apoplexy - they would take each and every fruit from the trees, take one bite(not ripe yet) and throw the fruit on the ground!

[@jessicah.4274]

@@vgil1278 They are so ruthless for sure! I find all kinds of veggies with bites in them on the ground -just recently my peppers. I will have to spray again! They also completely dig out my containers and dig huge holes in the garden to bury walnuts, often destroying seedlings or established veggies/flowers. They are for sure the most destructive of critters in my garden.

[@wigglywoo8899]

I'm going to try spraying again this year, and do it weekly like you mention. I sprayed a few times last year, but it wasn't with the fogging pump...just a regular sprayer that shoots soaking bits. Didn't coat plants well, but I did perimeter too. I didn't do it often enough, so the deer decimated my perennial garden ...all deer resistant plants of course. 🙄 They loved the coral bells, lilies, and coneflower leaves. Coreopsis as well. I even put out a thing that makes high pitch sound that supposedly deters critters....nope. We have a driveway alert that dings inside when someone passes on the way up driveway....they come through nightly, and pass our front yard (and perennial garden 😭) on the way through to our neighbors house. Honestly not sure anything will help, but I'm willing to try. I snapped a photo last year of triplet fawns in backyard eating my young tomato plants. Between deer and rabbits, we're lucky to have a few plants.

[@TPayne-fm8ie]

Funny, my deer have never touched my hydrangeas. But they will chow geraniums which my neighbor says they they don't touch. I'm saving for a fence so I can have roses again. Ive tried repellents but my husband can't stand the smell and so it repels him too. Ive had some success with blood meal stakes at the perimeter.

[@tamrasant2792]

Yep finally started a nice size garden & the deer ate just about everything & what they didn’t eat they bite into & dropped. Learned a big lesson I just bought chicken wire & about to put it up. Also bought “Deer Off” not sure if it will work yet.

[@gardeningjunkie2267]

I don't even have deer anymore but that clip with you chasing the deer off was so funny 🤣

[@HowsItGrowing]

It was so funny! 😂

[@lynbuerkett8537]

Lol, so polite, but ya, move along!

[@kelly51757]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@lindamyers953]

I use a homemade deer and rabbit repellant and when ready to use I strain it through an old tea towell, or double layered cheesecloth then put it in my pump sprayer or backpack sprayer. I also use blood meal tossed around the garden and directly on some plants. We have a horrific deer and rabbit problem here in the PNW!

[@TheImpatientGardener]

What a great idea to strain it through cheesecloth!

[@marilynruggeberg]

I have had the most trouble with Deer, Rabbits, Squirrels, and Raccoons the last couple of years. Last winter I asked my husband if he cut the Raspberries back a little. No he didn't, so I'm guessing the Deer nibbled on it. It was a clean cut. My husband uses live traps to remove the Squirrels, Rabbits and 1 Raccoon from our yard and transplants them to the Country. I have never had them eat my Hostas but something ate my Tulips and a Lily that I just planted last fall. Hadn't Bloomed yet and they ate the flower buds. I use a repellent that is made with coyote urine. I spray it on the ground around the plants I want to protect. It has to be reapplied after every rain which can be quite often in the Spring. 😁

[@Melons-vg8dq]

I use Critter Getter for squirrels. It's a choke trap that dispatches them quickly. Also, birds and cats can't get in

[@ja-uh9gz]

So funny....you asking the deer to leave, so politely. I do that too, but not so politely...and one or two occasions, dropped an "f" bomb...lol.

[@darlenerobinson3691]

thank you for answering my question regarding the deer problem we have. This link was helpful. ill experiment this growing season.

[@dtoomey9174]

I have to spray every 7 to 9 days. I have let it go for the winter, which I know I will regret once the snow melts. The deer really do a job on the rhododendron - thought they were poisonous.

[@kellikavanaugh2165]

I started making my own repellent because store bought is so expensive. I use essential oils, a combination of rosemary, cinnamon bark and peppermint with eggs, milk and hot sauce. I mix it up, an sieve it and let it sit in the sun for a day or two then dilute it in the sprayer. I have not had any deer damage since I started- one full season.

[@hortonmonroe9163]

Would you mind giving the formula for your essential oil mix? Thanks.

[@kellikavanaugh2165]

@@hortonmonroe9163 HOMEMADE DEER REPELLENT 2 large eggs 1 ½ cups water ½ cup milk 4 Tablespoons hot sauce 1 Tablespoon dish soap 1 ½ teaspoons rosemary essential oil Alternate between: 1 teaspoon peppermint essential oil 1 teaspoon cinnamon essential oil I have had great success with it. It smells great and is way cheaper than buying name brand stuff.

[@christophertaylor9826]

Thank you so much, deer are eating my buttered popcorn daylilies. I will give these products a try. Love and enjoy watching your videos.

[@donnanowik7955]

Just add in a movie to go with that buttered popcorn...Bambi perhaps?

[@ashleyamelia08]

Irish spring soap works for my dad! His garden looks hilarious with bars of soap hanging off his favorite plants. The first time I saw them hanging, I was like "uhhhh dad, you okay..what's with all the soap?!" Lol

[@laura2842]

I used shavings if Irish soap by the Lillies but just too many plants to protect

[@myrusticgardens]

Haha! I have a bar hanging off of a new dogwood I planted this spring! 😄

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Works for me, too!

[@kathyastley8045]

Hey you answered all my deer question😏 I have a deer that comes into the yard the edge of the yard upon occasion. I only see tracks. . Has an eaten anything yet and we were thinking about putting some repellent out there to teach him or her to go somewhere else.

[@karinchristensen220]

I wish there was something like that for wood rats. They nip off young plants at the base and use them to line their nests. I found all of my pea plants one year tucked into a space in the wood pile.

[@carolmoore1797]

I have a motion sensitive sprinkler from Orbitz that seems to work well. Yes, we’ve had quite a few extra showers after forgetting I had them set! I wanted to order another one a couple weeks after I tried the first one and there were none to be found.

[@barbaravanerp4598]

I’ve done that too! And the UPS man gets showers

[@ross-smithfamily6317]

Loving it!! ❤😂❤

[@abbastabatabaie9321]

There is one deer repellent that you forgot to mention, it's called " Winchester 30-30". It's quite effective.

[@wenso626]

Yes, and let's point it at you.

[@nikkistewart6767]

@@wenso626 I didn't say I would do it!

[@ross-smithfamily6317]

0:50 The Canadian method of deer control. Love it!! 😂

[@denisedorsey2889]

Thanks for this! I'm sure you are right about the favorite plants of deer varies from region to region. The in my garden deer don't bother my hostas. They do a number on my roses and daylily buds if I don't spray. They will turn to my hydrangea and even my impatiens in early fall. My success has been with Liquid Fence Deer and Rabbit repellent. Tried coyote granules, tried a home made mix, nothing worked. I apply the Liquid Fence weekly in the spring and it seems to almost train the deer to go elsewhere. I then can apply it once every 2 or 3 weeks. Then the fawns come and all bets are off. We start the cycle again. The struggle is real!

[@barbw.7183]

I've successfully used Liquid Fence for many years, but I do frequent applications (it also seems to work well for rabbits, as advertised on the label). The odor lingers for a relatively short time, as another viewer (Michelle?) mentioned. If I'm around and see the deer in the yard, I'll go out and vigorously shake a big white plastic garment bag. They run like the dickens, but sometimes it takes 3 rounds of this before they finally move on. I've found if I spray the plants I know they'll eat, they then will get the plants they don't normally go after - so now I just spray (with a spray bottle) pretty much everything. Great video - very informative!

[@susanpoore2729]

Try high pitch wind chimes close to your affected plants. I fought deer for years until I added these. No more deer for 3 years now. The chimes also scare my kitty away🤣

[@jmeh2388]

But if it’s not windy? Also then it ruins the quiet peaceful ambience of the garden ?

[@lisamccoy123]

I tried repels al did not help. Moth balls are working. They make me think of my grandma. Lol

[@starone38]

Hopefully you do a hydrangeas tour soon ... 😍😍 !!!

[@barbaramccann7944]

I have both Liquid Fence and Bobbex, but have been having success with granular applications of Milorganite and Deer Scram, in northern Michigan. However, I’ve learned I NEED to use the spray on The lilies.

[@orchidgarden3124]

Can you tell me how and where to apply the milorganite? On the grass around the perimeter, around the base of the plants? Michigander here too!

[@barbaramccann7944]

Orchid Garden, I broadcast spread it across large hosta beds. It’s really a fertilizer (so wouldn’t hurt the grass) but seems to help with the deer. I always check for broken/discounted bags at big box stores.

[@orchidgarden3124]

Barbara McCann thank you!

[@deborahbarr8501]

I have deer and raccoon problems. Deer eating my garden and the raccoons ripping my pond apart. To try to stop the deer last year I hung up nylons stuffed with my hair all over the garden, tried both ivory and irish spring soap, didn't stop them. This year I have had more problems with raccoons, so purchased from Amazon Nite Guard. It is solar powered, small flashing LED red light that comes on at dusk and goes off at dawn. Needs to be installed at the height of the animal you want to keep out. I have a smaller garden so only installed one by my pond. So far raccoons have stopped their nightly raids and the deer haven't come over to snack on my plants!

[@kevinterifay9904]

Super attracted to you. Just my first thought after seeing your video. Very genuine vibe you have.

[@imahappygal1]

Like your mixing idea...🤣

[@prettyasyouplease2538]

who ya gone call? deer busters! I live with a deer problem also. And I use "I must garden deer repellent mint scent enhanced with kelp. It stinks pretty bad but only when wet. And I watch the deer walk through my yard over to the neighbor where they feast on her hosta.

[@concettaworkman5895]

Loved this video, I planted 3 huge hostas 4 years ago, and last year, they were eaten to the ground. It had to be deer, they are huge. I have clove and cinnamon oil, plus garlic and black pepper, stinky soap. I am going to mix it together, spray it over and under, then throw my urine around the perimeter just for fun. I want to do it cheap. They don't like Asiatic lilies, thank god. They are all in full bloom, glorious, they just love my hostas.

[@lucylafountine9751]

I'll have to disagree....they just ate every bud on my Asiatic and daylilies. Then they destroyed my knockout roses. 😭

[@Winterfell1066]

I just came back from a trip to North Carolina between Bryson City and Asheville (July 2024). The highways are planted with massive stands of Daylilies, yellow and orange blooms mostly. I live in central Mississippi. Deer eat my Daylilies down to the ground. NC has tons of deer and is very rural in many parts of the state. How have all of those mass Daylily beds in the median and sides of the highways not been eaten?

[@marilynmcgillick2931]

I totally gave up planting in my yard because of deer. I can have 65 deer at one time! Trust me..I counted. So everything is in containers on my deck. They try to come up in the winter because I have some arborvitaes in large containers. They walk up 8 steps to do this. My husband built barriers out of screen to put across the stairs and that seems to work.

[@lailadot3562]

That is just crazy.....walking up the stairs to your deck!?!? Urbanized deer can be really bold....

[@KM-nq7ez]

65 deer…. How can you fight off an army that size?!?

[@aaron32608]

As a new homeowner we loved seeing the beautiful 🦌 it wasn’t until I saw them eating all my beautiful lilies 😦😭 man every time I see the deer out there I’ll yell at them to go away lol

[@SueL-mx9vm]

4/10/24. I have been using a half- and-half spray combo for nearly 20 years. I mix 1/4 amount of Liquid Fence and 1/4 amount of Bobbex for 1/2 gallon of product. It covers my 1/2 acre property. I apply it faithfully once a week. Very effective except with the fawn - they taste anything!

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Great report! Thank you for sharing that.

[@tracykeelan8534]

Using a paper filter for filtering paint works great to filter out products with egg solids

[@timberhills1778]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that goes out and yells at the deer to get away from my plants,wife's like who are You talking too out there? LoL 😂

[@jammosu6498]

That’s so funny. I went out last night and yelled shoo to the deer from my porch. I had to start walking toward it before it lazily moved on.

[@bettystaats8873]

your so polite to the deer :)

[@cinderellie9583]

All lives matter🧡😊

[@herbiethegalah6420]

After the wind changed its direction and the bloody spray went all over me like the movie "Carrie," I switched to granules. It's pricey so I bought a bunch of it in March when I had less flowers to buy to hear less complaints from my husband, LOL! I've noticed how effective the bloody granules are except I had bug problems w my roses after the bloody granules. I didn't have the bug problem w my roses when I used the non- bloody granules so that was a learning process for me. Dahlias and Begonias have been too delicious for the deer in the Detroit area. I have a large yard so the areas that are less important to me, I don't care if the hostas are eaten. If a see that a hosta has been eaten, it helps me know to not plant anything yummy there. Even my petunias will be eaten without putting stinky stuff on them. Way too many deer and groundhogs!

[@jocelyndecastro6334]

LOL! that's like me! I have a state park very (very) close to me. And I have a dog too. But, no effect...!

[@mswyman100]

I have successfully deterred deer from eating hostas & hydrangeas by spraying with a strong solution (don’t know exactly) of need oil. In fact the first year after spraying hostas w this solution the deer still didn’t eat the hostas even though I didn’t spray after the 1st summer.I do plan on spraying w neem this year because I really miss my Annabelle’s!

[@Melons-vg8dq]

I strategically placed motion detectors. They would come at night. When I heard the alarm I ran out in my pajamas with a broom and went after them. A couple of times and they stayed away. Interrupted my sleep, but better than seeing my garden decimated

[@geoffdavies282]

Entertaining - Well presented. Yes deer are a problem for me too-i change it up as best i can -respray after rain etc - seems to work reasonable well compared to neighbors that don't appear to object to providing a salad bar. Gradually each season the area has fewer flowers/plants to enjoy as the deer population expands. Thank you

[@daiseegray9110]

Good info as always

[@lulaposton4380]

I want to be a Ghost Buster Like you! I ordered one from Amazon 🤪❤️

[@irisfigueroa2511]

I found the 4 gallon sprayer at Walmart for $55 Expert gardener & one for $70 Chapin Homepro. Also backpack.

[@myrusticgardens]

I suggest having outside dogs and an airsoft gun handy. 😄 Deer steer clear of my gardens! 🤭

[@Treeguybill]

The deer have got into my redwood screen area if I run the riding mower around the edge they hate that and leave , smud was working on the lines and they yell at each other that also scared them out next is the fishing line fence !!!

[@floweringacre3079]

Almost afraid to comment for fear the dang deer will show up tonight, but I have been using the solar powered electronic device So far so good. We will see

[@heatheruiz]

I wonder if any of this works for groundhogs. They are huge digging pests where I live.

[@deej9697]

Very informative. Thank you for posting this!!

[@mikekling239]

“Nibble on Hydrangea”!! Lolz The deer in my neighborhood decimate my hydrangea every season even after application of deer repellent by a commercial company, so much so I’m considering replacing them with something else

[@BloominIvy]

NOTICE: I haven't seen anyone say this, so I wanted to share - deer like variety, I don't know why but they do, my hubby used to live in FL and has seen them eat green oranges and even birds off a net! Yes! (look it up) If you disguise or set things up for one group of plants they will go to another without much preference to flavor. If food is scarce, they will eat things they don't normally. I have been pretty lucky so far, they haven't gone after any of my gardens (dahlias, hostas, roses, rodis, nothing) and we have them in the yard everyday as my hubby feeds them corn out near the field (

[@tiny0665]

I spray twice a week for deer repellent. My neighbor likes deer...so they feed the deer corn. I really have to stay ahead and spray often.

[@diananoonen2262]

Culling is the solution. Deer meat is an excellent source of protein! My dear decimated my huchera- fuzzy plants too. There is plenty of food- they have become gormet deer!

[@diananoonen2262]

You did very good getting it on!!! Looked graceful.

[@diananoonen2262]

Great idea- train them out of your garden and forcing them ro find a new path.

[@diananoonen2262]

Best deer method: culling!

[@Barbara-vk4fh]

I mix a tiny bit of dish soap in water and add hot sauce. It works.

[@dominichix5728]

I make a spray with vinegar, garlic, cinamon & water that works pretty good.

[@brendabraun5522]

I chicken wire everything for bunny, chipmunks and squirrel protection. Something ate the top of my sunflower off, nibbled on my seedum and is eating my African Daisy. Maybe a deer.

[@dianegentry3255]

Here in NC I use a product called I Must Garden. Works well. Spicy smell.

[@kittyvine823]

30.06 works onOregon Deer. You need to do this before you spray rotten eggs though, cause the eggs taint the meat, like a rut.

[@laura2842]

thank you. I am using Bobbex right now every five weeks or so.. my garden is pleasantly small hate it when they eat the rose buds and Lillies by my mailbox they eat the hostas and my one and only hydrangea but not this year!!!!! ( well after the rose and Lilly incident)