How to Keep Deer from Eating Potted Plants

Deer can cause a lot of damage to gardens and potted plants. They have a tendency to devour plants, flowers and even small trees. However, there are ways to protect your potted plants from these hungry animals. Below are a few tips on how to keep deer from eating your potted plants.

Choose the Right Plants

The first step in keeping deer away from your potted plants is to choose the right plants. Deer tend to avoid plants that have strong scents or tastes. Plants such as lavender, mint, and sage are great options. Also, plants with thorns, spines or prickles such as roses, cactus and holly are difficult for deer to eat. By choosing such plants, you can help prevent deer from even coming near your potted plants.

Use Natural Repellents

Another way to keep deer from eating potted plants is to use natural repellents. For instance, you can make a mixture of garlic and water and spray it on your plants. The smell of garlic will often discourage deer from eating the plants. Similarly, you can mix hot sauce and water to make a spray that can be applied to your potted plants. Deer will usually avoid plants sprayed with hot sauce.

Plants in Protective Areas

Limit deer access to your potted plants by planting them in protected areas. For instance, you can place your potted plants in an enclosed area so that deer cannot reach them. Fences can be used to keep deer away from your potted plants. Using netting over an entire planting area is another option that can help protect your potted plants.

Scare Tactics

You can use scare tactics to keep deer from eating potted plants. For example, you can hang foil, old CDs or even pie plates around your plants. When the wind blows, the reflective surfaces will scare deer away from your potted plants. Similarly, you can use motion-activated sprinklers to scare off any deer that come near your potted plants.

Cleaning the Area

Cleaning the area around your potted plants can also help deter deer. Deer are attracted to areas with abundant food sources such as gardens and yards. Keep the surrounding areas clean and free of food to discourage deer from venturing near your potted plants. Removing weeds and other plants that deer like to eat can also help.

Conclusion

Keeping deer away from your potted plants is not an easy task, but it is possible. You can keep deer at bay by using natural repellents, choosing the right plants, planting in protected areas, using scare tactics, and cleaning the area. By following these tips, you can protect your potted plants from deer damage and enjoy a beautiful garden.