How to Keep Deer and Rabbits Out of the Garden

Deer can jump over low fences to get at gardens.

Keeping a home garden is a rewarding experience for homeowners, and it can be hard work to maintain healthy fruits, vegetables and flowers. All of that hard work can be destroyed in a single feeding session by deer or rabbits infesting your garden. A variety of ways exist to keep these pesky critters off of your property, protecting your plants from their appetites.

Things You'll Need

• Fencing
• Lawnmower or tree saws
• Human hair
• Repellent plants
• Animal repellent

Instructions

1. Surround your garden with a fence. The fence should be at least 8 feet high, so that deer cannot simply leap over the barrier. Secure the bottom of the fence to the ground completely so that rabbits cannot dig underneath. Mesh fences work well, so that you can still see the garden but the animals cannot intrude.

2. Remove any tall grass or protective groves of trees surrounding your garden. The animals can hide in these locations and will feel safe approaching your property. They will be less likely to invade your garden if they feel exposed or threatened on the approach.

3. Spread human hair around the perimeter of your garden. Deer and rabbits will be able to smell the human scent and will associate it with danger, and therefore will not intrude.

4. Plant animal repellent plants around the edges of your garden. Some plants -- like echinacea, black-eyed Susan and others -- taste bad to the animals. Others, such as sedum and echinops, have prickly leaves or stems that will not harm the animals but will discourage them from eating.

5. Apply professional animal repellents to the perimeter of your garden, or to the plants themselves, in early spring before the feeding begins. These products will immediately drive away the animals, and if you continue to apply them throughout the season, the critters will not return.

Tips & Warnings

• Dogs and cats can be effective at driving away invading animals. Be sure to monitor your pets outdoors to prevent runaways and protect them from other predators that may roam your area.

• Some commercial animal repellents can damage flowers and plants. Read and follow all product instructions and warnings before use.

References

• Hobby Farms: Keep Your Garden Protected
• Birds and Blooms: How Do I Keep Deer and Rabbits Out of My Garden?