Deer Resistant Gardening

How to Deter Deer

Deer Resistant Plants & More Solutions

Deer browsing is the #1 challenge for gardeners in Northeast Ohio. Fortunately, it’s possible to overcome or work around this issue with a little know-how. Below, we cover three effective ways to keep deer at a distance: implementing physical barriers, applying deer repellents, or selecting deer-resistant plants.

physical barriers

One of the easiest ways to protect your garden investment is by physically protecting or placing your plants out of reach. Hanging baskets can help keep plants up and away from deer and large, raised planters can protect your plants from bunny browsing. Placing netting, fencing, chicken wire, and other physical barriers is also one of the most effective ways to protect your garden or landscape when installed with a height of 6-8 feet tall.

Petitti’s recommends Deer-X® Netting, designed to be a practical option that’s effective and also easy to install.

animal repellents

There are several products that trigger a taste, smell, or fear response to effectively repel deer and control for other animals. Each product works a little bit differently, so gardeners are encouraged to choose based on preference or need.

Angelo Petitti’s #1 recommendation is Plantskydd®, available in both granular and liquid form. Granules are recommended for sprinkling around plants as they first emerge from the ground, while spray is recommended for misting once foliage has flushed out. I Must Garden®, Repels-All®, Bobex®, and Coyote Urine are also trusted brands recommended and carried by Petitti’s.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN

PLANTING DEER-RESISTANT PLANTS

No plant is 100% deer-proof. However, many plants feature characteristics that deer do not like, and therefore tend to skip over when passing through a garden. Plants that are thorny (all the way to the tips), prickly, fuzzy, leathery, fragrant (in a good or bad way), or which bleed a milky sap when cut are all excellent indicators of a deer-resistant plant.

deer-resistant annuals

Whether you’re brightening the landscape, filling containers, selecting hanging baskets, or planting a pollinator garden, there are plenty of annual flowers to choose from that deer tend to avoid.

Popular options include:

deer-resistant perennials

Perennials are a reliable addition to the landscape, providing long-lasting color and texture year after year. Planting perennials is also a fantastic way to attract and support bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds by providing a dependable source of pollen and nectar. Even better, many popular perennials attract pollinators and offer good deer resistance!

Popular options include:

deer-resistant shrubs

When it comes to deer-resistant shrubs, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for colorful blooms or evergreen privacy screening, there’s sure to be a good deer-resistant option that adds instant impact and lasting structure to your landscape.

Popular options include:

watch & learn

from the pros

Deer are a natural and beautiful part of connecting with nature in the garden. However, when they transition from welcome guests just passing through to unwanted visitors with a tendency to snack, it can be very frustrating. Fortunately, a little effort with physical barriers, deer repellents, and deer-resistant plants can go a long way. Watch this video with Noelle and Jason to learn more about the different types of repellents we offer here at Petitti’s and the benefits of each.

Angelo Recommends

Plantskydd®

Plantskydd® is an organic animal repellent that’s safe for plants, pollinators, pets, and people. It works to repel animals before they take a bite, not after. Made from natural and upcycled ingredients (dried porcine blood, vegetable oil, and water), it is also the first animal repellent to be listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as suitable for use in the production of organic food.

Plantskydd’s active ingredient is specially processed porcine blood, which emits an odor and smells like predator activity that triggers a fear response in deer, rabbits, voles, squirrels, chipmunks, moose, and elk. Simply put, it communicates to hungry herbivores that a predator is near and to steer clear of the area!

Because it sticks to plants and won’t quickly wash off or flake away, it doesn’t need to be re-applied after every rain or snow. Plantskydd was originally developed in Sweden to protect tree seedlings from deer and moose during the long winters, and is now also Made in the USA.

Shop Plantskydd

deer resistant gardening

in Northeast Ohio

Deer pressure can vary significantly across Northeast Ohio depending on location, weather conditions, and available food sources. During winter and periods of drought, deer may browse plants they would normally avoid. At Petitti Garden Centers, we like to combine smart strategies and reliable products to help reduce damage and create a more enjoyable garden.

Deer-resistant plants | Repellents | Physical barriers | Seasonal monitoring

A layered approach is often the most effective way to protect your garden.

Shop Deer-Resistant Products

Frequently Asked Questions About Deer Resistant Gardening

While no plant is completely deer proof, plants with fragrant foliage, fuzzy leaves, thorny stems, leathery textures, or milky sap tend to experience less browsing. Popular deer-resistant choices include Lantana, Boxwood, Juniper, Catmint, Coneflowers, and many ornamental grasses.

No. Deer feeding habits vary based on population pressure, weather conditions, and food availability. Young fawns will nibble on a variety of plants as they’re learning what they like and don’t like, and during periods of drought or winter stress, deer may browse plants they would normally avoid. For best results, combine deer-resistant plant selections with repellents and physical barriers.

Petitti recommends Plantskydd® as one of the most effective deer repellents available. Other trusted options include I Must Garden®, Repels-All®, Liquid Fence®, and Coyote Urine. The best solution often depends on the severity of deer pressure and the time of year.

Deer may browse Arborvitae, particularly during winter when food sources are limited. Varieties of Western Arborvitae, such as Green Giant, Forever Goldy, and Spring Grove, tend to experience less damage than others, but additional protection may still be needed in areas with heavy deer populations.

Boxwoods are considered one of the more deer-resistant evergreen shrubs. While deer may occasionally sample them, they generally prefer other plants when alternative food sources are available.

The most effective approach combines multiple strategies:

  • Choose deer-resistant plants
  • Apply deer repellents consistently
  • Install fencing or netting where appropriate
  • Protect vulnerable plants during peak browsing seasons

Using a combination of these methods can significantly reduce deer damage and help protect your landscape investment.

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