Deer-proof garden plants? (Home Depot, fence, to eat)

[heatherriviere]

I recently picked up the "Western Garden Book" at Home Depot which lists deer-resistant plants/trees for a garden, but can anyone tell me what fruits and veggies I could plant in a garden that the deer (and perhaps rabbits?) would leave alone? We have a good 5ft chain link fence but apparently that won't keep the vermin out of the yard...

It may be too late to plant anything THIS year, but at least that would give you all a year to reply to my question, as well as give me a heads up for what I should plan for our backyard as we fix it up this summer!

Thanks!

[esselcue]

I recall my great-aunt saying that deer will eat anything! They are the forest's goats! She kept her garden (in the CA redwoods) fenced and had two apple trees and a salt lick on the perimeter which she allowed the deer to feast from. They left her garden alone in lieu of apples. As for me...I keep bunnies and such out of my garden with a Jack Russell Terrier...but my guess is that neither of these options will work well for you.

Good luck!!!

[shroom]

Seriously! It's a non-toxic repellent; their website is Not Tonight Deer Animal Repellents . I've used the formula for bunnies & it worked well (I also sprinkled blood meal at the bunnies' ingress/egress points. Blood meal is inexpensive & available at nurseries). The method used by esselcue's great aunt is a win/win -- deer need to eat, too, and it's great fun watching the deer & their fawns.

[sixminutemile]

The most effective option I know of to prevent deer from entering a property and therefore eating vegetation is the placement of large carnivore feces. I know it sounds odd but it is very effective. A small amount (2 oz) of lion, tiger, cougar or wolf dung placed at the perimeter of your property will keep deer away for 30 to 60 days. Do not put it in your garden or near items humans will consume as there is a small risk of parasites.

It's easier to find the stuff than one might think. Zoo's, animal preserves and crazy people that keep the animals as pets are all over.

[Trace_Rinaldi]

Deer in the garden? Thats a two'fer!! Meat to go with the taters and veggies! Soups On!!!

I keeid I keeeid

[pimit2]

Trace said:

Deer in the garden? Thats a two'fer!! Meat to go with the taters and veggies! Soups On!!!

I keeid I keeeid

Yeah, we know you're kiddin', Trace....(elbow, elbow).


pimit2 (Bob)

[DESERTRYDER]

a .243 tree ??

[Fisherman 100]

I will bring the barbecue and the Idaho taters.

[AlwaysLooking]

Trace! you owe me a keyboard...sans diet coke!

[NorCalHiker]

Motion activated lights. We tried every plant. The only one the little boogers won't eat is poison oak