5 Plants That Will Keep Deer Away for Good

The Challenge of Keeping Deer Out of Your Garden

If you're a gardener, you know how frustrating it is to watch deer munch on your plants. Unfortunately, many of the things we love to grow are also favorites of these animals. It's not just flowers, either – they'll eat vegetables and fruit trees, too. So, what can you do? Well, one solution is to plant things that deer don't like. Below, we've collected five great options for plants that will keep deer away.

1. Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that deer simply can't stand. They dislike the scent so much that they'll avoid your garden altogether if there's enough of it around. Plus, lavender is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. You can plant it in pots or in the ground, but make sure it gets plenty of sunlight.

How to Grow Lavender

To grow lavender, by choosing a sunny spot in your garden. Make sure the soil is well-draining and not too acidic. Plant the lavender in the spring or fall, and water it regularly until it becomes established. Once it's mature, you won't need to water it as often. Prune the plant after it blooms to keep it healthy and encourage new growth.

Benefits of Lavender

In addition to its deer-repelling properties, lavender has other benefits. Its scent is known to reduce stress and anxiety, so having it in your garden can create a calming atmosphere. Plus, you can use the dried flowers to make sachets or potpourri.

2. Daffodils

Daffodils are another plant that deer don't like. They're toxic to the animals, so they'll avoid them at all costs. Plus, daffodils come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can choose the ones that best suit your garden.

How to Grow Daffodils

To grow daffodils, by planting the bulbs in the fall. Choose a spot with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Plant the bulbs about six inches deep and six inches apart. Water the bulbs well after planting, and then once a week until they begin to sprout. Once the flowers have bloomed, you can cut them for bouquets or leave them in the ground to naturalize.

Benefits of Daffodils

In addition to keeping deer away, daffodils have other benefits. They're one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, so they'll add some much-needed color to your garden after a long winter. Plus, they're easy to grow and require little maintenance.

3. Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular annual that deer dislike. They're easy to grow and come in a variety of colors, so you can choose the ones that best complement your garden. Plus, marigolds are great for repelling other pests, too, like mosquitoes and aphids.

How to Grow Marigolds

To grow marigolds, by choosing a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Plant the seeds about an inch deep and two inches apart. Water the seeds well after planting, and then once a week until they begin to sprout. Once the plants are established, you won't need to water them as often. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage new growth.

Benefits of Marigolds

In addition to keeping deer and other pests away, marigolds have other benefits. They're low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. Plus, they're great for adding color and texture to your garden.

4. Thyme

Thyme is an herb that's known for its strong scent. Deer don't like the smell, so they'll avoid it if possible. Plus, thyme is easy to grow and can be used in a variety of recipes.

How to Grow Thyme

To grow thyme, by choosing a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Plant the seeds or seedlings about six inches apart. Water the plants well after planting, and then once a week until they become established. Once the plants are mature, you won't need to water them as often. Prune the plants regularly to encourage new growth.

Benefits of Thyme

In addition to keeping deer away, thyme has other benefits. It's a natural antiseptic and can be used to treat cuts and scrapes. Plus, it's a delicious herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, from roasted chicken to pasta sauce.

5. Boxwood

Boxwood is a shrub that deer dislike. They don't like the taste of the leaves, so they'll avoid it if possible. Plus, boxwood is easy to shape and prune, so you can create a variety of interesting shapes and designs.

How to Grow Boxwood

To grow boxwood, by choosing a sunny or partially shaded spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Plant the shrubs about two to three feet apart. Water the plants well after planting, and then once a week until they become established. Once the shrubs are mature, you won't need to water them as often. Prune the plants regularly to keep them in the shape you want.

Benefits of Boxwood

In addition to keeping deer away, boxwood has other benefits. It's easy to shape and prune, so it's great for creating topiaries and other interesting designs. Plus, it's an evergreen shrub, so it'll add some much-needed greenery to your garden all year round.

There are many plants that will keep deer away from your garden. Some, like lavender and thyme, are fragrant herbs that also have other benefits. Others, like daffodils and marigolds, are colorful annuals that can add some much-needed color to your garden. And boxwood is a great option if you're looking for a shrub that's easy to shape and prune. No matter which plants you choose, though, you can rest assured that the deer will stay away.

FAQs

1. How do I know if deer are eating my plants?

Deer leave behind telltale signs when they've been munching on your plants. Look for ragged edges on leaves or stems, as well as hoof prints in the soil.

2. What should I do if I already have deer in my garden?

If you already have deer in your garden, there are a few things you can do. First, try spraying your plants with a deer repellent. You can also install a fence around your garden to keep them out.

3. Will these plants keep other animals away, too?

Some of these plants, like marigolds, are great for repelling other pests, too, like mosquitoes and aphids. However, others, like lavender and thyme, may actually attract bees and other pollinators.

4. Can I plant these plants in pots?

Yes, all of these plants can be grown in pots. Just make sure the pot is large enough for the plant to grow, and that it gets plenty of sunlight.

5. Do these plants require a lot of maintenance?

Most of these plants are low-maintenance and require little care once established. However, you'll need to water them regularly until they become established, and then prune them regularly to encourage new growth.