What to Put on Tomato Plants to Keep Deer Away
Deer may be beautiful animals, but they have a voracious appetite for plants and can wreak havoc on your vegetable garden, including your precious tomato plants. Here are several effective solutions for keeping deer away from your tomato plants:
1. Repellent Sprays
Repellent sprays are a popular way to keep deer away from tomato plants. These sprays are made with natural ingredients such as peppermint oil or hot pepper sauce, which create a taste or smell that deer dislike. Simply spray the solution on the plants every few days to keep the deer at bay. However, these sprays may need to be reapplied after heavy rain or watering.
2. Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Motion-activated sprinklers can be an effective way to keep deer away from your tomato plants. When a deer walks by, the sprinklers will turn on and spray water, scaring the deer away. This solution can be costly, but it is a humane and long-lasting way to keep deer out of your garden.
3. Netting or Fencing
Netting or fencing your garden can be a very effective way to keep deer away from your tomato plants. Deer are excellent jumpers, so a fence should be at least 8 feet tall to be effective. Netting should be placed over the entire garden and should be at least 6 feet tall.
4. Plant Deer-Resistant Plants
Another solution is to plant deer-resistant plants in your garden. Some examples of deer-resistant plants include herbs like rosemary and lavender, as well as plants with strong fragrances like marigolds and daffodils. If you plant these types of plants in your garden, deer may be less likely to target your tomato plants.
5. Human Hair or Soap
Believe it or not, human hair or soap can also be an effective way to keep deer away from tomato plants. Simply tie some strands of human hair to stakes around the garden, or hang bars of soap from the trees. The smell of human hair or soap can be a deterrent to deer.
It is important to keep in mind that these solutions may not work for everyone or every situation. If you are struggling with deer in your garden, it may be best to try a combination of these solutions to find what works best for you.
By implementing a few of these tactics, you can keep deer away from your tomato plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest.