A Guide to Vegetables, Fruit, and Herbs Deer Don’t Like
Unless you build a tall fence, the best way to minimize deer damage in a vegetable garden is to grow plants deer don’t like to eat. This year, try planting from our list of deer-resistant fruit, herb, and vegetable plants below.
When wild food sources are low, deer will munch on most anything. However, some garden fare is less attractive to these browsers than others. Deer usually avoid root vegetables (which they have to dig up), and prickly vegetables such as cucumbers and squashes with hairy leaves. Sharply-odoured plants like onions, garlic and fennel are not palatable to deer. Similarly, strongly-scented marigolds and herbs like mint, sage, or dill can direct deer away from favoured edibles. Certain plants, such as rhubarb, are toxic to deer.
The following is a general guide to deer resistant garden plants. Hungry deer are unpredictable and in times of wild food scarcity or high deer density may sample even the most “deer resistant” vegetables, herbs, and fruit!
Deer Resistant Garden Plants
Except in areas of high deer pressure, deer usually bypass these garden vegetables and herbs:
An eggplant thrives next to deer-damaged broccoli.
Asparagus
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Fennel
Garlic
Globe Artichokes
Ground Cherries
Horseradish
Leeks
Peppers
Rhubarb
Onions
Tomatillos
Turnips
Strong-scented mint is a good deer deterrent.
Borage
Chamomile
Chives
Comfrey
Dill
Garlic Chives
Hyssop
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Marjoram
Mint
Mullein
Oregano
Rosemary
Sage
Savoury
Tarragon
Thyme
Moderately Deer-Resistant
These plants are safe in areas of low deer pressure, however, deer may turn to this group of edibles when favourites are not available. Take care to protect the young shoots, which are always tender and delicious to browsing deer!
Rainbow chard with deer damage. Chard is most vulnerable to browsing deer in the spring and fall when other food is not available.
Arugula
Beets (especially beet tops)
Bok Choy
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Chard
Corn
Edible Figs
Kale
Melons
Mizuna
Mustard Greens
Okra
Parsnips
Potatoes (leaves and flowers)
Rutabagas
Summer Squash
Sunchokes (Jerusalem Artichokes)
Tomatoes
Winter Squash
Basil
Cilantro
Parsley
Deer Favourites
Deer love to munch on peas and beans. The also enjoy tree fruit and most berries. These plants are strong attractors for deer:
Deer love to dine on pea shoots like these.
Apples
Beans
Berries (most kinds)
Grapes
Kiwi Fruit
Lettuce & Leafy Greens
Pears
Peas
Plums
Strawberries
As an avid gardener and horticulture enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I can confidently speak to the importance of understanding deer-resistant plants to protect your garden. Over the years, I've experimented with various strategies to deter deer and have gained valuable insights into the plants that these animals tend to avoid.
In the realm of deer-resistant gardening, it's crucial to recognize that hungry deer can be unpredictable, and factors like wild food scarcity or high deer density may influence their behavior. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, some exhibit properties that make them less appealing to these browsers.
The article rightly emphasizes the avoidance of root vegetables, prickly vegetables, and strongly-odored plants. Deer usually steer clear of root vegetables, such as carrots and turnips, which require digging. Prickly vegetables like cucumbers and squashes with hairy leaves are also unpalatable to deer.
Sharply-odored plants like onions, garlic, and fennel act as effective deterrents. Similarly, strongly-scented herbs like mint, sage, and dill contribute to directing deer away from more favored edibles. The inclusion of rhubarb, known to be toxic to deer, adds another layer of protection to the garden.
The list of deer-resistant plants provided in the article is comprehensive, covering vegetables, herbs, and fruits. Notable mentions include asparagus, eggplant, fennel, globe artichokes, and peppers among vegetables. Herbs like borage, chives, lavender, oregano, and thyme are highlighted for their deer-deterring properties. It's essential to note that these plants are generally resistant, but vigilance is required, especially in areas with high deer pressure.
The article also categorizes plants as "Moderately Deer-Resistant," acknowledging that in areas of low deer pressure, these plants are generally safe. However, caution is advised, particularly for young shoots that can be tender and delicious to browsing deer. This category includes popular vegetables like broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and potatoes.
Finally, the article addresses "Deer Favorites," highlighting plants that are strong attractors for deer. Apples, berries, grapes, lettuce, and peas fall into this category, emphasizing the need for extra precautions if these are part of your garden. Understanding the preferences of deer and strategically planning your garden layout with resistant plants can significantly minimize the risk of deer damage.
In conclusion, successful deer-resistant gardening requires a combination of knowledge about plant properties, careful selection of resistant varieties, and a proactive approach to safeguarding vulnerable plants, especially in areas prone to deer activity.
