Pests - Deer
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  (August) Can you give me any advice on deterring deer from eating flowers, shrubs, and trees? Thanks for any information you can give.

  When deer become a problem, you have to try a variety of options. There are several deer repellents on the market -- from sprays to sound devices to motion sensors placed with a hose, that sprays them. Some folks have reported success by hanging up bars of Irish Springs soap, some have luck with spraying their desirable vegetation with raw eggs, and some use other scare devices. From what I can gather, the only fool proof method is an electric fence -- which may be more than you want. Good luck.

  Do you have any suggestions for the deer problem? In the past ten days they have eaten all my hostas and impatiens. Now they are eating my hibiscus, roses and the blooms of my geraniums. Then the armadillo came and dug up what was left of my flower beds. Help!!

  Have you thought about a good fence or possibly moving? Seriously, fencing, if feasible could help, as could a good dog in the yard. In all my years working with the Cooperative Extension Service, I have never had as many deer calls as recently. The deer populations I have been told are high, which means they are moving into neighborhoods to feast on your plants. Electric fences are probably the most fool-proof, but are not always an option. Human hair works in less populated areas, but doesn’t work well in residential areas. Some people report success with sprays of raw eggs, or hanging up bars of Irish Springs soap. There is a list of deer-resistant plants, but if deer get desperate enough, they may branch out into some of the so-called resistant plants. Try scare devices or even some temporary screening to keep them away until the plants recover. Scare devices have to be changed periodically, and nothing is one hundred percent fool-proof, but good luck. Armadillos can be trapped using worms as bait. Remember, they are nocturnal feeders.

  I am searching for plants that deer do not enjoy. They seem to avoid foxglove. I recently purchased some Digitalis purpurea seed. The package states it can be planted inside in early spring. Can they be planted in the fall to get an early start on spring? I know they are a biennial, but this seed states they will bloom the first season. Also, are English wallflowers distasteful to deer? We live in Fairfield Bay and have an overpopulation of deer. I have lost 600 tulips over five years, and don’t want to fence my property. You are my last hope.

  Deer are becoming more and more of a problem. There is a list of deer-resistant plants, but if deer get desperate enough, they may branch out into some of the so-called resistant plants. English wallflower is supposed to be resistant. Other perennials to try include: hellebores, daylily, ferns, bleeding heart, and purple coneflower. Instead of tulips, try crocus, daffodils and iris. Foxglove can be started in late summer to early fall from seed with good results. There are biennial and perennial varieties available. Digitalis purpurea is a biennial, but normally reseeds itself.

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