What Height Fence Needed To Keep Deer Out Of Garden

After working as a chemist at a biotechnology company, I enjoy writing about science, travel, and gardening.

Thirty great plant ideas to keep deer from browsing in your yard.

Leah Lefler, edited with Canva.

Living in a rural area filled with deer, I have developed expertise in planting gardens that are resistant to deer. My flower beds are not fenced and thrive with several herds passing through the yard each day.

While not fool-proof, surrounding plants with marigolds is one way to repel deer without the use of a fence.

Leah Lefler, own image.

How to Deer-Proof Your Garden Without a Fence

Cost and zoning requirements may make adding a fence difficult or impossible. When fencing is not possible, the following planting methods help to deter deer:

Camouflage planting. Plant deer-repellent plants like Russian sage or marigolds in and around garden beds to prevent foraging.
Natural fence. Create a natural fence using deer-resistant hedges like holly, boxwood, or inkberry.

Signs of Deer Damage in Your Garden

Symptoms of deer presence and damage include:

Plant leaves removed and mown down by grazing.
Trampled plants.
Deer poop in and around the garden.

Unfortunately, deer love to munch on pansies, one of the earliest spring flowers.

Leah Lefler, own image.

Which Plants Do Deer Like?

Hungry deer are more likely to browse among garden plants, which is why the heaviest damage usually occurs from October through April. If you live in an area with active deer herds, you will need to protect the following plants:

Hostas
Daylilies
English Ivy
Fir trees
Arborvitae
Apple trees
Cherry trees
Yew
Azaleas
Euonymus
Pansies
Indian Hawthorn
Tulips

30 Best Deer-Resistant Plants

Deer-resistant plants come in three main categories:

Toxic plants deer refuse to eat.
Plants with a strong smell that repel deer.
Plants with physical characteristics, such as taste or thorns, that make deer browsing less likely.

Toxic Plants

In general, deer will not eat toxic plants. Daffodils and hellebore are two examples of toxic spring flowers that deer will not touch. When it comes to keeping your garden healthy, toxic plants are a safe bet, as they are generally bothered by few pests (though you should take care with these plantings if you have children or pets).

Repellent Plants

Repellent plants, such as lavender or black-eyed Susans (rudbeckia), are not likely to be eaten by deer. The strong scents produced by these plants cause deer to steer clear of the general area, though they may still browse in difficult conditions with low native forage available.

Since the vast majority of repellent plants are strong-smelling herbs, there are no trees in this category. Most of the plants are annuals or perennials, depending on your gardening zone.

Prickly or Bitter Plants

Plants with a physical barrier, such as prickly American holly or bitter butterfly weed, are not the first choice of deer. Unfortunately, in the early spring season, these plants may still see some damage if the local herd becomes hungry.

Consider these plants as resistant for most of the year, but protection might be needed in early spring or in areas with large herds.

With the exception of highly toxic plants, deer will eat anything if they become hungry enough. In addition, herds in one area may develop a taste for a plant that isn't bothered by deer in another location.

Toxic Plants Deer Will Not Eat


Plant Name	Type	Characteristics	USDA Zone
Ginkgo Biloba	Tree	Deciduous, with growth 25–50' tall. Plant only male trees to avoid messy fruit.	4–9
Golden Rain Tree (Laburnum)	Tree	Deciduous, with growth to 25' and beautiful yellow flowers in the spring.	5–7
Oleander	Shrub	Evergreen shrub with showy flowers. All parts of the plant are highly toxic.	8–10
Daffodil	Perennial bulb	Beautiful yellow flowers in early spring. Foliage fades in mid summer.	3–8
Hellebore	Perennial	Shade-loving flower in the buttercup family. Excellent for woodland plantings.	6–9
Columbine	Perennial	Short-lived perennial that reseeds itself. Native flower, excellent for attracting bees.	4–9
Foxglove (digitalis)	Biennial or Perennial	Tall spikes of showy blooms in early summer, excellent in woodland plantings.	4–10
Poppy	Perennial	Large blooms in late spring with lacy foliage.	3–11
Monkshood	Perennial	Highly toxic and can cause death from contact with open wounds, not just ingestion. Must be handled with gloves.	3–7
Lily of the Valley	Perennial bulb	Delicate white flowers in early spring. All parts of the plant are poisonous.	3–9
White Snakeroot	Perennial	Native wildflower that is toxic to mammals. The plant is a host for several caterpillar species.	3–8
Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia)	Annual	Large white flowers dangle from the branches. In warmer climates, it does not die back and forms a large shrub.	8–10

Plant male ginkgo biloba trees as a deer-proof tree.

PROPOLI87, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1. Maidenhair (Ginkgo Biloba)

This non-native tree puts on an impressive show of yellow leaves in the fall.

Pros

Tolerates pollution.
Great for urban environments.
Tolerates salt.
Highly ornamental.

Cons

The female trees produce large quantities of fruit that create a mess and produce a terrible odor as they decay.
The tree is not native to the USA.
Ginkgo seeds are highly toxic to people.

2. Golden Rain Tree (Laburnum anagyroides)

This tree is in the pea family and produces incredible racemes of yellow flowers each spring. This is one of the most beautiful ornamental trees in a garden.

Pros

Stunning spring display.
Small footprint suitable for planting close to a house foundation.

Cons

All parts of the tree are highly toxic to people.
The tree produces leathery seed pods that can create a mess near patios.
The tree is not native to the USA.

3. Oleander (Nerium oleander)

This shrub is common as a planting near California freeways, due to its robust nature and showy flowers. All parts of the shrub are toxic.

Pros

Drought-tolerant evergreen shrub with showy blooms.
Excellent deer-proof barrier planting around a yard.

Cons

All parts of the plant are highly toxic to people.
It can become invasive with its root system and should not be planted near house foundations.
Affected by a fungal disease called Oleander Leaf Scorch.

Daffodils are toxic and almost never eaten by deer.

Leah Lefler, own image.

4. Daffodil (Narcissus poeticus)

Daffodils are beautiful spring-blooming bulbs that are toxic to deer. They are a great addition to gardens as a barrier planting or an underplanting to other plants (like hostas) that will cover the dying foliage once the flowers have faded.

Pros

Showy, beautiful flowers in the spring.
Flowers will multiply each year.

Cons

Toxic to people upon ingestion.
The plants have wilting, yellowing leaves once the flowers have faded.

Lenten rose, or hellebore, blooms early and is not eaten by deer.

Morocco Mole, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

5. Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis)

Also known as Lenten rose or Christmas rose, Hellebore blooms in late winter or early spring, depending on its location. It thrives in shade and is not eaten by deer.

Pros

Easy to grow in a shaded, woodland setting.
It needs no protection from deer.
Easy to establish.

Cons

Prone to fungal diseases since it inhabits shady, wet forest areas.
All parts of the plant are poisonous to people.

6. Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris)

Eastern red columbine is native to the USA and produces beautiful red bell-like flowers. European columbine comes in a range of colors and thrives in most gardens in its range. The plant is not bothered by deer.

Pros

Beautiful, showy flowers that stand out in any garden.
Deer do not eat this flower.

Cons

The roots and seeds of the plant are highly toxic.
Some varieties are invasive in the Northeastern region of the United States.

Foxglove, or digitalis, is very toxic and highly deer resistant.

Leah Lefler, own image.

7. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Spires of bell-like flowers top out at 6 feet (2 meters) in height on these impressive plants. Some varieties are perennial and others are biennial, but all are relatively short-lived. The plant readily reseeds itself.

Pros

Beautiful spires of flowers in early summer.
This plant is not bothered by deer.

Cons

Biennial varieties will only bloom in the second year of growth.
The plant is highly toxic to people.
It is invasive in some gardening regions.

8. Poppy (Papaver orientale)

Poppies have gorgeous tall spring flowers that create a great deer-proof display in household gardens.

Pros

Many varieties are drought resistant.
Flowers are showy and beautiful in any garden.
Seeds can be collected for culinary use.

Cons

Poppy flowers and leaves are toxic to humans if ingested.
Papaver somniferum (opium poppy) is illegal to grow in the United States.

One of the most toxic plants in a shade garden, monkshood should be handled with gloves.

David Short from Windsor, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

9. Monkshood (Aconitum napellus)

Also known as wolfs-bane, this flower is highly toxic. This plant is not recommended in any area where it may be handled or ingested by humans. The flowers are a beautiful, deep purple and are highly attractive. Deer do not eat this flower.

Pros

Beautiful flowers that are deer-proof.

Cons

One of the most toxic plants grown for ornamental reasons.
Gardeners should wash their hands after handling the plant, or use gardening gloves.
The toxin is deadly if it enters the bloodstream.

Lily of the Valley provides season-long beauty in a deer-proof yard.

Leah Lefler, own image.

10. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

Lovely, nodding white flowers are produced in early spring on this low-growing plant. The plants can form a lovely border and the leaves remain attractive after the flowers have faded.

Pros

Beautiful, seasonal flowers that deer will not eat.

Cons

Toxic to people.
This plant is invasive in some gardening regions in the USA.

White snakeroot is highly toxic and should not be ingested by people or pets.

Fritzflohrreynolds, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

11. White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima)

A native wildflower in the USA, this plant loves shade and produces white flowers in the fall season. It is toxic and has a bitter sap, so it is not favored by deer. Do not plant near livestock.

Pros

Native wildflower that attracts bees and butterflies.
Deer avoid this flower.

Cons

Highly toxic to people.
If eaten by cows, the toxins can be passed through the milk to humans, causing illness or death.

Angel's Trumpet is highly toxic to people and plants, making it very effective at repelling deer.

Danny S., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

12. Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia suaveolens)

Often confused with Datura, which carries the same common name, Brugmansia plants have large, pendulous flowers from plants which grow into shrubs in warmer climates. In colder gardening zones, the plants are treated as annuals.

Pros

Beautiful, white flowers on the shrub are wonderful for specimen planting.

Cons

Highly toxic to people and pets.
Invasive in some gardening regions.

Deer-Repellent Plants


Plant Name	Type	Characteristics	USDA Zone
Lavender	Perennial	Strong scent produced by light purple flowers throughout the growing season	5–9
Marigold	Annual	Extremely strong scent repels many pests from the garden, including deer.	Plant dies back in winter below zone 10.
Mint	Perennial	All mint varieties repel deer. Mint may become invasive in the garden over time, so consider planting in a container.	3–8
Peony	Perennial	Peonies produce a strong scent that deer dislike. Showy large, pink flowers in spring.	3–8
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)	Perennial	Bright yellow flowers with a dark center. Rudbeckia has a scent that repels deer. Excellent for use as a physical barrier around more delicate plants.	4–9
Salvia	Perennial	Salvia is in the mint family and produces flowers prized by butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer dislike the scent and taste of the plant.	4–10
Bee Balm	Perennial	Bee balm (monarda) is in the mint family and attracts bees. Large, colorful flowers. Deer do not like the smell or taste of bee balm.	3–9
Russian Sage	Perennial	Strong herbal scent repels deer. Showy spray of lavender flowers in summer.	5–9

The pungent odor produced by lavender keeps deer away.

Amanda Slater, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

13. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

This wonderful herb has light purple flowers and produces a scent loved by humans. Fortunately for gardeners, deer do not like plants with a strong scent. Lavender is an excellent choice for underplanting roses or other shrubs deer like to nibble on.

Pros

Fragrance loved by humans.
This non-toxic plant makes an excellent deterrent barrier around more delicate plants.
Lavender also repels aphids.

Cons

Lavender oil can irritate skin.

Marigolds deter a number of pests, including deer.

Leah Lefler, own image.

14. Marigold (Tagetes lemmonii)

This annual produces bright yellow and orange flowers with a strong scent. When planted as a border around other plants, it protects against slugs and other pests, including deer.

Pros

Native to the southwestern USA.
Repellent to many garden pests, including deer.

Cons

Marigolds must be replanted each year during the growing season.

Deer do not like the scent or taste of mint.

Leah Lefler, own image.

15. Mint (Mentha piperita)

The strong scent and taste of mint are detested by deer, so container plantings of mint throughout a garden are a good way to repel the creatures. Take care when planting mint directly into any garden space, as it is invasive and will take over garden beds if not contained.

Pros

Culinary herb that repels deer.

Cons

Often invasive in garden beds, best planted in containers.

Peonies have a strong scent and woody stems that deer dislike.

Leah Lefler, own image.

16. Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)

Peonies bloom with spectacular flowers in the spring and are not favored by deer. The strong scent produced by the plant tends to repel deer. Peonies are a great choice when planted in island beds in the garden that cannot be fenced in.

Pros

Can be planted to form a low-maintenance hedge in the growing season.
Deer resistant.

Cons

Pollinated by ants, so do not plant near house foundations where ants might invade living spaces.

Rudbeckia is another perennial that deer do not bother.

Leah Lefler, own image.

17. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Another native perennial with a scent that repels deer, rudbeckia puts on a midsummer display of bright yellow flowers with a dark center. These flowers are a great choice for island beds and border gardens that cannot be fenced. The scent and hairy stems are repellent to deer.

Pros

Plant has beautiful flowers in midsummer.
Deer resistant.
Attracts native birds and butterflies.
This plant is native to the USA.

Cons

Can be invasive in garden beds.
Occasionally prone to fungal diseases.

Deer find salvia leaves distasteful and do not like the herbal smell of the plant.

Leah Lefler, own image.

18. Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)

Also known as ornamental sage, most salvias have red or purple flowers and produce a scent repellent to deer. The gardening zone depends on the species, and some are grown as annuals in northern climates. Woodland sage is hardy to USDA zone 4.

Pros

Some species are native to the USA.
Deer repellent.
One species (Salvia officinalus) is used as a culinary herb.

Cons

Some species are toxic to humans and pets.

Bee balm is an excellent deer-resistant flower that is also beneficial to pollinators.

Leah Lefler, own image.

19. Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa)

Stately flowers attract bees and hummingbirds, making this native flower a great addition to the garden. The scent is repellent to deer. Monarda has a habit of taking over garden beds and can be invasive. It can be planted in a container in the ground to control spread.

Pros

Native plant in the USA.
Beneficial to pollinators.
Deer repellent.

Cons

Can become invasive in garden beds if not contained.

Plant Russian sage alone or in a border to help deter deer.

Leah Lefler, own image.

20. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Growing 3–5' in height, this plant creates a great backdrop to smaller perennial flowers. Plant around vegetable gardens as a natural repellent to deer and rabbits. While not foolproof, it can add a second layer of defense to a vegetable garden in deer-laden areas.

Pros

Deer-repellent plant.
Drought tolerant.
Low maintenance.

Cons

Russian sage may spread and become invasive in garden beds.

Plants With Physical Barriers to Deer


Plant Name	Type	Characteristics	USDA Zone
Spruce	Evergreen Tree	Height up to 200' tall (depending on variety). Deer find the needles distasteful.	3–8
Red Maple	Deciduous Tree	Height of 60–90'. Deer do not prefer the taste of the leaves and tend to avoid these trees.	3–9
Black Tupelo	Deciduous Tree	Grows to 30–50' in height. Deer do not prefer the taste of the leaves and tend to avoid these trees.	4–9
River Birch	Deciduous Tree	Height of 40–70'. Deer do not prefer the taste of the leaves and tend to avoid these trees.	4–9
American Holly	Evergreen Shrub	Deer avoid the prickly leaves. Can grow up to 50' in height, but can be pruned to form a hedge.	5–9
Astilbe	Perennial	Showy, feathery plumes of flowers in early spring. Deer may sometimes browse the tops of astilbe, but rarely eat mature leaves.	4–9
Sunflower	Annual or Perennial	Deer avoid the rough foliage of sunflowers. Large, yellow flowers with seeds favored by birds. Perennial varieties do exist.	4–9 for perennial varieties.
Butterfly Weed	Perennial	Plant has bitter, milky sap that deer dislike. Bright flowers in the summer months attract butterflies.	4–9
Chicory	Perennial	Plant has bitter sap that deer despise. Bright blue flowers in mid-summer.	3–10
Boston Fern	Perennial	Nearly all ferns are disliked by deer due to the leathery or dry fronds.	9–11

Spruce trees provide year-round beauty and are not eaten by deer.

Leah Lefler, own image.

21. Spruce (Picea pungens and others)

The spruce genus contains many tree species, all of which are deer resistant. Small varieties like bird's nest spruce will only grow 2–4' in height, while red spruce can grow to 130' in height.

Pros

Deer don't like the taste of spruce needles.
Many varieties exist for various landscaping needs.
Beautiful evergreen trees.

Cons

Spruce trees are susceptible to insect pests.
Spruce trees also have shallow roots, making the taller trees prone to falling in storms.
Do not plant large spruce trees near houses or driveways.

Red maple is a native tree with deer resistance.

Leah Lefler, own image.

22. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Native to the USA and Canada, red maple leaves are brilliant in the autumn. Deer do not like the papery leaves and tend to leave red maples alone. This tree is an excellent addition to the landscape in northern climates.

Pros

Native tree in the USA and Canada.
Deer resistant.
Fast-growing tree.

Cons

Shallow root system may cause sidewalks to crack or buckle.
Do not plant near house foundations or septic fields.
Weak branch strength causes limbs to fall during storms.

Black tupelo is native and provides berries for wildlife. It is also deer resistant!

Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

23. Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica)

Also known as a black gum tree, the black tupelo is native to the United States. Deer do not prefer its papery leaves and will forage on other woodland vegetation before resorting to this tree.

Pros

Can be planted near sidewalks.
Has a long life expectancy.
Tolerant of wet soil.
Provides food for songbirds.

Cons

Fruit litter may drop to sidewalks in urban settings.

River birch is a great ornamental tree for areas with large deer herds.

Leah Lefler, own image.

24. River Birch (Betula nigra)

With layers of peeling bark and a graceful, multi-trunked habit, river birch is a great choice as a specimen tree. Deer avoid the papery leaves. The tree lives approximately 75 years.

Pros

Beautiful specimen tree that is deer resistant.

Cons

River birch is not drought tolerant.
The tree drops leaves and branches frequently, which may create a mess in urban environments.

Deer generally dislike the spikes on holly leaves and will leave the plant alone.

Leah Lefler, own image.

25. American Holly (Ilex opaca)

Native to the USA, the spiky leaves of holly are not preferred by deer. Brilliant red berries and evergreen leaves make this plant highly ornamental.

Pros

Beautiful native evergreen that is deer resistant.

Cons

Both a male and female plant are needed for berry production.
Not hardy below zone 5b.
Intense sun exposure may cause purple spots to appear on leaves.

Astilbe is avoided by deer.

Leah Lefler, own image.

26. Astilbe (Astilbe thunbergii)

Astilbe is a genus with many species, including the native false goat's beard. All astilbe are deer resistant, though deer may nibble on the tops of astilbe plants in some areas. Tall, feathery flowers appear in spring. The foliage is attractive throughout the growing season.

Pros

Low-maintenance perennial that produces sprays of beautiful flowers in spring.

Cons

Leaves are favored by Japanese beetles.

Black oil sunflower seeds self-sowed in our garden. As a deer-resistant plant, they provide wonderful color in the yard.

Leah Lefler, own image.

27. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus and others)

Grown as both an ornamental annual and a seed crop, sunflowers are a great addition to island beds and other garden areas deer frequent. The thick, hairy stems are generally avoided by deer. A few perennial varieties exist.

Pros

Easy to grow from seed.
Beautiful annual flowers are beneficial to wildlife.

Cons

Seedlings must be protected from chipmunks and rabbits.
Sunflower seed shells inhibit seed germination of other plants in the garden.

The bitter sap produced by butterfly weed is repellent to deer.

Ragesoss, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

28. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Bright orange flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer detest the bitter, milky sap and tend to leave this plant alone. Excellent as a border planting in any garden bed.

Pros

Deer resistant.
Beneficial to pollinators and hummingbirds.
Host plant to monarch butterflies.

Cons

In some areas, butterfly milkweed may become invasive.

Chicory is a pretty blue wildflower that is resistant to deer.

Leah Lefler, own image.

29. Chicory (Chicorium intybus)

Deer do not like the tough stems or the bitter sap of the chicory flower. Endive and radicchio are edible forms of chicory, though the leaves of wild chicory are quite bitter and not often eaten by humans. Roasted chicory roots are sometimes used as a coffee substitute. This plant is safe to plant near livestock.

Pros

Native wildflower avoided by deer.
Attractive blue flowers.

Cons

Plant occasionally attacked by aphids.

As with most ferns, Boston fern is deer-resistant.

Mokkie, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

30. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

While Boston fern may be grown outdoors year-round in zones 9–11, it must be overwintered indoors in harsher climates. Nearly all ferns are deer resistant, as they don't like papery or leathery fronds.

Boston fern is a great choice for warm USDA zones inhabited by deer. Gardeners in northern climates may plant other fern species, such as ostrich fern, in place of this tropical variety.

Pros

Non-toxic to people and pets.
Beautiful foliage.
Purifies air inside houses when overwintered indoors.

Cons

Boston ferns require a high humidity level.
Must be planted in bright conditions, but not in direct sunlight.

Several crops are deer resistant, including onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Leah Lefler, edited with Canva

Deer-Resistant Crops and Vegetables

Surprisingly, there are several crops that are highly deer resistant. Plants in the nightshade family (including tomatoes) are generally avoided by deer. Rhubarb leaves are toxic to ruminants and are generally not bothered, as are mature asparagus spears. The American Persimmon tree is one of the few fruit trees that deer avoid almost completely, as the fruit is extremely astringent until fully ripe.


Crop Name	Type	Characteristics	USDA Zone
American Persimmon	Tree	Astringent leaves and fruit are avoided by deer.	4–9
Rhubarb	Perennial	Leaves are toxic to deer.	4–8
Cucumber	Annual	Leaves are toxic to deer.	All zones, grown as an annual. Plant after the danger of frost has passed.
Asparagus	Perennial	Mature spears are highly resistant to deer. Protect young shoots.	3–8
Carrots	Biennial grown as an annual	Deer do not dig for root vegetables. Deer may eat carrot leaves.	All zones, grown as an annual. Plant after the danger of frost has passed.
Potatoes	Perennial grown as an annual.	Deer do not dig for root vegetables. Deer may eat carrot leaves. Generally grown as an annual. Potatoes belong to the nightshade family and the leaves are toxic to deer.	All zones, grown as an annual. Plant after the danger of frost has passed.
Onions	Perennial Perennial grown as an annual.	Scent and growth below the ground make onions highly deer resistant.	All zones, grown as an annual. Plant after the danger of frost has passed.
Tomatoes	Annual	Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family and are toxic to deer.	All zones, grown as an annual. Plant after the danger of frost has passed.
Eggplant	Perennial grown as an annual.	Eggplants belong to the nightshade family and are toxic to deer.	All zones, grown as an annual. Plant after the danger of frost has passed.
Squash	Annual	Deer do not prefer the hairy, spiny leaves of squash plants.	All zones, grown as an annual. Plant after the danger of frost has passed.

Azaleas are labeled as deer resistant on some lists. Unfortunately, deer love to eat these plants.

Leah Lefler, own image.

Plants Falsely Labeled as Deer Resistant

These plants are not the top choice of deer, but they are still eaten by them in poor food conditions or if convenient. While they sometimes appear on "deer resistant" lists, these plants are all eaten by deer:

Hydrangeas
Petunias
Dahlias
Azaleas
Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile)
Knockout Roses

Deer-resistant plants aren't the only natural ways to keep deer out of your garden!

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Other Natural Ways to Keep Deer Out of Your Garden

The best way to keep deer out of the garden is a tall fence. Homemade deer repellents have mixed success in keeping deer out of garden beds. Some touted methods, such as creating a fence out of fishing line, simply don't work in practice and are not worth bothering with. That said, here are a few other natural options you can try.

1. Rotten Eggs

Rotten eggs are the most effective scent-repellent method, and the commercial deer repellent "Liquid Fence" is created from putrid eggs. It is possible to make a homemade rotten egg spray with eggs, dish soap, cooking oil, and a blender.

Add two raw eggs to a blender. Blend until completely combined.
Pour eggs into a spray bottle and wait until the foam subsides.
Add 1 tsp. cooking oil.
Add 1 tsp. liquid dish soap.
Fill the rest of the spray bottle with water and close.

Place the mixture in the refrigerator until a pungent rotten egg smell develops. Spray on plant leaves to repel deer. The spray will remain effective for 2–4 weeks, but must be reapplied after rain. Keep any leftover spray refrigerated until the material is consumed.

If making a spray out of putrid eggs is not something you would like to pursue, use a commercial deer-repellent product on plant leaves. I have used Liquid Fence with a very high rate of success on our apple trees and vegetable garden, with no foraging as long as the spray is reapplied after rain. As an added bonus, Liquid Fence is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration.

2. Vinegar

Vinegar is more effective than coffee grounds in my experience, but deer will still go around the vinegar if they are hungry enough. Soak rags in vinegar and tie them on stakes throughout the garden to repel deer. Vinegar odor remains effective even once the rags dry out, but should be re-soaked if heavy rain occurs.

3. Wet Coffee Grounds

Wet coffee grounds work as a deer repellent by producing a strong scent. Hanging wet or used bags of coffee grounds throughout a garden may repel some deer, but this method is the least effective as hungry deer will ignore the coffee bags and go right on ahead to devour plants in the garden.

Other scent-based methods include cayenne pepper and essential oils to repel deer. As with coffee grounds and vinegar, these methods are more likely to fail in early spring when deer are hungry enough to ignore the repellent scents.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Leah Lefler (author) from Western New York on August 06, 2021:

Deer are such a chronic issue in our yard, Peggy! They're beautiful creatures, but I find them more beautiful when they don't have my oriental lilies in their mouths! We have a good set-up now with barrier plantings they don't like, though in hungry years all bets are off the tables.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on August 06, 2021:

While we do not have deer eating our outdoor plants, I always learn something by reading your excellent posts. Marigolds can also repel some bugs that can impact other things in a garden. I learned that from my grandfather who loved gardening.