[GaltAdonis]

I was taking a walk late night and saw the first deer this year
checking out my garden. She didn't do any perceptible damage -
just checking out the progress of 'late night snack' production, I guess.

I'll start applying the deer repellent substances on the lawn
around the garden - and see how it goes this year.

Wish me luck!

[Don W]

You’re lucky. We have deer that live in town all year, and they are a menace to life, limb, and property, including gardens.

There are a few tomato and potato plants (supposedly deer don’t like nightshades-HAH!) that have been trimmed by these long legged rats in my yard.
The worst part is that the deer got my 17” tall sunflowers, before they could even form a head. Of the 30 or so I have about 4-5 undamaged.

Managed to catch them before they damaged the peas. I’ll be planting a bunch more fennel and various mint family members next year fur certain!

One question: Why did my pennyroyal not show up at all? I planted a brand new, full package, and not one single seedling sprouted. I scattered the seed on the surface of a prepared bed, then lightly raked and watered. Everything else in that bed is doing well.

[metmom]

Deer don’t like strong scents.

I’ve read that planting fragrant plants like herbs and lavender, will help deter them.

Also, having a male member of the household provide urine for around the garden will work.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Had to build my mom a full enclosed garden area because various varmints were raiding her garden.

We get by with a six foot fence and Lily the Dog.