How to Keep Deer Away from Pot Plants

Deer are known to be fond of large, leafy plants, including those in pots. They can easily jump over fences and ravage your garden. As a gardener, it is your responsibility to keep your plants safe and secure from damage by deer. Here are some methods you can use to keep deer away from your pot plants:

Use Deer Repellents

Deer repellents are a great way to keep deer away from your pot plants. There are two primary types of deer repellents: contact repellents and area repellents. Contact repellents are sprayed directly on the plants, while area repellents are sprayed around the plants to create a barrier that deer will avoid.

Some common contact repellents include garlic, hot sauce, and predator urine. These repellents can be sprayed on your pot plants to give them a taste that deer will find unappealing. Area repellents, on the other hand, may include rotten eggs, human hair, and soap bars. These items can be hung near your pot plants or scattered on the ground around them to create a barrier that deer will avoid.

Install Deer Fencing

Installing deer fencing around your garden is another effective way to keep deer away from your pot plants. Fences can make it difficult for deer to jump or climb over and access your plants. The ideal fence height is 8 feet, but you can also use lower fences with added features like angled arms or electric wires that can prevent deer from jumping over.

When choosing a fence, be sure to choose a material that is strong and durable enough to withstand the weight and pressure of deer. Some of the most popular options include wrought iron, steel, and deer netting.

Use Netting or Mesh

Netting or mesh can be used as another physical barrier to keep deer away from your pot plants. You can cover your pot with mesh, or drape it over the surrounding foliage. Mesh sizes should be small enough to prevent deer from reaching in for a bite, but large enough to allow sunlight and rain to penetrate. Mesh or netting can be bought or even made at home using scrap materials such as chicken wire or plastic fencing.

Conclusion

Deer can cause havoc to your pot plants, and it is, therefore, necessary to protect them. While there are many different ways to keep deer away, the important thing is to select the method that works best for your situation. Whether it's through contact or area repellents, deer fencing, or using netting or mesh, you can defend your pot plants against deer and ensure their safety.