How to Protect Your Garden from Deer Grazing

Few sights are as frustrating as discovering your carefully tended seedlings and young plants nibbled down to stubs overnight. Deer can cause serious damage in the garden. While we love seeing wildlife around, it’s important to protect our crops and borders from deer grazing. Here’s how we keep deer at bay and our garden growing strong.

Invest in Strong, Tall Fencing

The most effective way to protect your garden from deer is with a sturdy fence. Deer can easily jump fences under 1.8 metres, so we use fencing at least this tall, preferably with angled tops to discourage leaping.

Mesh or woven wire fences work well. Make sure the fence is well-anchored and extends below ground a little to prevent deer from pushing under.

Use Deer-Resistant Planting

Deer tend to avoid strong-smelling or thorny plants. Try planting herbs like lavender, rosemary, and sage near vulnerable crops to create a natural deterrent barrier.

Apply Natural Deer Repellents

Natural repellents like garlic spray, dried blood meal, or commercially available deer deterrents can make your plants less appealing. We apply these regularly, especially after rain.

Changing repellents occasionally keeps deer from getting used to the smells.

Keep Your Garden Clean and Tidy

Deer are more likely to venture into gardens with abundant food sources and easy access. We keep fallen fruit picked up, secure compost bins, and avoid leaving pet food outside overnight.

Use Noise and Motion Deterrents

Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or noise-makers can startle deer and discourage repeat visits. We place these strategically near entrances or known browsing spots.

Create Alternative Habitat Away from Crops

If you have the space, planting a ‘deer garden’ with attractive shrubs or fruit bushes away from your main veg beds can divert attention.

Deer grazing is a challenge many gardeners face, but with the right barriers and strategies, it’s one we can manage. By combining tall fencing, natural repellents, and thoughtful planting, we protect our gardens while coexisting peacefully with wildlife.