Say goodbye to deer damage with these 13 must-plant deer resistant herbs!
If deer are feasting on everything in your garden, don’t despair – there are effective strategies you can implement to deter them. One of the most promising methods is to add specific herbs to your garden that are known to repel deer thanks to their distinct characteristics.
By carefully selecting and planting these deer-resistant herbs in your garden, you can create a protective haven for your flowers and vegetables. This approach not only guards your cherished plants but also provides you with a flourishing herb garden, perfect for cooking and adding flavor to your meals!
In this post, we’ll explore 13 amazing herbs that deer usually steer clear of. Stick around until the end for some helpful tips on how to keep those pesky deer away from your garden!
In This Post
Why Are Certain Herbs Deer Resistant?
Deer typically avoid herbs that possess strong flavors and aromatic leaves. For instance, herbs like rosemary, thyme, and lavender have potent scents that make them unappealing to deer. Moreover, herbs with silvery-gray leaves like sage are less attractive to deer. The unique color and texture may signal to deer that these plants are not a suitable food source.
Another type of effective herb is those with tough, spiky textures. For example, the rough leaves of lemon balm and certain varieties of mint can deter deer as well.
But, the main reason behind these deterrent qualities lies in the essential oils present in these herbs. The strong fragrances overwhelm a deer’s sense of smell, making the surrounding area less appealing for grazing.
Deer Resistant Herbs
1. Sage
Thanks to its strong, earthy aroma and fuzzy silvery leaves, sage is safe from deer. Add sage to your garden borders or near vulnerable plants you want to protect.
2. Lavender
Lavender is a fantastic choice for deer-prone gardens because its strong, soothing fragrance and silvery, woody foliage naturally deter deer. The essential oils in its leaves and flowers overwhelm the deer’s sensitive sense of smell, making it unappealing as a snack. Lavender is not only deer resistant but also drought tolerant and very easy to care for. Additionally, it’ll attract lots of pollinators to your garden!
3. Mint
The strong, unmistakable aroma of mint and its unique texture are what make it deer resistant. Keep in mind that mint spreads quickly and can take over your garden if left unchecked, so it’s best to plant it in containers or a controlled space.
4. Rosemary
Deer avoid brushing against rosemary because its essential oils are unpleasant to them. The strong scent of rosemary also helps mask the aroma of nearby plants that deer may otherwise feed on. For added protection, plant rosemary along the edges of your garden to create a natural barrier against these unwanted visitors.
5. Oregano
The strong scent of oregano is often enough to make deer turn away, and they’re not fans of brushing against or stepping on its foliage either. Oregano thrives in partial shade and is drought-tolerant, making it a resilient and low-maintenance addition to your garden.
6. Lemon Balm
Deer find the citrusy fragrance of lemon balm unpleasant and overpowering. The essential oils in its leaves act as a natural deterrent, masking the smell of nearby plants as well. Additionally, the slightly coarse texture of lemon balm makes it less appealing for grazing. Lemon balm is a hardy herb that can thrive in various garden conditions, but it can become invasive so plant carefully.
7. Thyme
Thyme, especially creeping thyme, is a fantastic choice for a deer resistant garden. Its strong scent and hardy, tough leaves make it unappealing to deer. Creeping thyme, in particular, is perfect as a ground cover because it spreads easily and will form a dense mat. Not only will thyme deter deer, but it also fills in spaces beautifully, adding texture and color to your garden.
8. Dill
The strong scent and taste of dill repels deer, and its feathery leaves are also unappealing to them.
9. Tarragon
Deer avoid munching on tarragon because of its overpowering and distinctive scent. They also tend to avoid stepping on this herb. Tarragon can be grown as a perrenial in zones 4 and above. However, it is toxic to pets, so take care when planting it in spaces that are accessible to them.
10. Chives
Chives are deer resistant thanks to their sharp, onion-like smell that deer don’t like. This strong aroma can even help protect nearby plants by masking their scent. Plus, chives are low-maintenance, thrive in many conditions, and keep smaller pests like aphids and Japanese beetles away as well!
11. Fennel
Just like all of the above herbs, fennel is deer resistant thanks to its strong smell and taste.
12. Marjoram
Marjoram is a low-maintenance herb that repels deer because of its strong spicy aroma. Because of its essential oils, marjoram disrupts their sense of smell, making it a plant they’re likely to avoid.
13. Lungwort
Last but not least, we have lungwort. This is a medicinal herb that is usually used to treat respitory issues. The hairy texture and slightly bitter taste of lungwort can irritate the mouth and digestive tract of deer, making it a good choice as a deer resistant plant.
A Few Deer-proofing Tips
While deer resistant herbs can help deter these hungry visitors, sometimes a more reliable solution is needed. Here are some precautions that you can take that work well:
Installing a Fence
This is one of the most effective ways to keep deer out of your garden. The fence should be at least 8 feet tall for the best results, as deer are excellent jumpers. A sturdy fence not only safeguards your plants but also gives you peace of mind so that you can enjoy a beautiful garden without being constantly worried about your plants getting eaten.
LED Predator Lights
I know that not everyone is able to install a fence in their garden, but don’t worry, all you need are LED predatory lights. These are solar powered lights that charge during the day and flash two red LEDs at night, mimicking the eye spacing of a large dog.
Set them up on posts, but here’s the trick: if you leave them in one spot, deer will eventually figure out they’re harmless. To keep them effective, move the lights around randomly—it changes the appearance just enough to keep most deer on edge and away from your garden.
Deer Sprinkler
Motion-activated sprinklers are a clever, eco-friendly way to keep deer out of your garden. Powered by solar energy, these devices detect movement and release a sudden burst of water, startling deer and encouraging them to stay away.
They work as a humane deterrent, protecting your plants without causing harm to the deer. As an added bonus, they help water your garden, making these sprinklers a practical and sustainable choice.
FAQ
Will deer eat cilantro?
Even though they prefer other plants, deer may still eat cilantro when they are hungry.
Do coffee grounds keep deer away?
While coffee grounds might temporarily discourage deer from entering your garden, they are not a foolproof solution and should be used in combination with other deterrents.
Do deer eat hydrangeas?
Yes, deer will sometimes eat hydrangeas, particularly in areas where food is scarce. They tend to nibble on the foliage and flowers, though some hydrangea varieties may be less appealing to them.
Do deer eat cucumber leaves?
Yes, deer are known to eat cucumber leaves, especially when there are no other food options. They are also more likely to target the young, tender leaves early in the season.
Do wind chimes keep deer away?
Wind chimes can deter deer temporarily due to the noise, but deer will eventually become accustomed to the sound.
What flowers do deer hate the most?
Deer tend to avoid flowers with strong scents, spiky textures, or fuzzy leaves. Some flowers they dislike the most include lavender, daffodils, marigolds, and foxglove.
Do deer eat basil?
Yes, deer may eat basil.
Does vinegar repel deer?
Vinegar has a strong smell that may repel deer, however, it isn’t a long-term solution because it needs to be reapplied frequently for any lasting effect.
Does sprinkling cinnamon keep deer away?
It may temporarily work, but it isn’t a guaranteed solution.
