deer proofing raised garden beds

Deer Proofing Raised Garden Beds: 10 Tips to Keep Deer From Devouring Your Plants

Deer can quickly transform from being cute backyard visitors to four-legged pests when they start feasting on your carefully cultivated vegetable garden If neighborhood deer are treating your raised beds like an all-you-can-eat buffet, it’s time to deer proof your setup Protecting your plants doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With some clever design tricks and deterrents, you can safeguard your garden without sacrificing style or accessibility.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 simple and affordable tips for making raised beds deer resistant Follow these suggestions for keeping deer at bay while still being able to easily tend your plants

1. Add Mesh Fencing Around Beds

Installing a fence around the perimeter of your raised beds is the most direct way to keep deer from accessing plants. Use tall metal deer netting or mesh secured to wooden posts. Aim for fencing at least 6 feet high to deter deer from jumping or leaping over.

1. Try Motion-Activated Sprinklers

Deer dislike being sprayed with water Install motion detectors that activate sprinklers to startle deer away from the area Just be sure pets or people passing by don’t get an unexpected shower!

1. Use Fishing Line to Create a Grid

Crisscross transparent fishing line over beds in a grid pattern. The lines are hard for deer to see and will spook them when brushed against. Reapply frequently as the lines sag.

1. Apply Deer Repellent Sprays

Use natural bug sprays that are made with garlic, chili powder, egg solids, or other strong smells to cover the whole bed. Reapply after rain or every 2-4 weeks.

1. Add Deer Resistant Plants

Choose plants like lavender, daffodils, citronella, and sage that deer tend to avoid. See lists online of other deer resistant varieties to incorporate.

1. Scare Them Away With Scent Sachets

Deer will stay away from your garden if you hang bags of dirty hair, soap shavings, garlic cloves, or sweaty clothes around it. The strong odors deter deer.

1. Use Motion-Activated Lights and Sounds

Spook deer using lights that flood the area or sounds from radios or alarms triggered by motion sensors. Change locations regularly so deer don’t become accustomed.

1. Apply Milorganite Fertilizer

The scent of this organic nitrogen fertilizer repels deer. Sprinkle it around beds every 4-6 weeks according to package directions.

1. Add a Scarecrow or Predator Decoys

Having “guards” like scarecrows, plastic owls, or coyote decoys around can keep deer away surprisingly well. Move them around periodically.

1. Use Natural Topical Sprays on Plants

Make DIY topical sprays from eggs, hot peppers, garlic, or oil and soap and apply directly to plants to deter deer from browsing. Reapply after rain.

Designing Deer Resistant Raised Beds

Incorporating elements designed to thwart deer right into your raised bed construction is another smart tactic. Here are some tips:

• Add netted sides and roofs to build cages or enclosures using tall metal deer fencing. A roof further prevents deer from jumping in. Ensure ample ventilation and access.

• Construct a perimeter wooden wall barrier several feet high around the bed to physically block deer access. Leave a maintenance access gate.

• Elevate beds above deer height by building atop a wooden frame or cinder blocks. Go at least 10 feet high.

• Lay mesh fencing underneath the soil level in raised beds to prevent deer burrowing underneath. Use 1/2 inch aviary wire.

• Rim raised bed walls with overhang ledges that angle outward to deter deer. They find these overhangs difficult to maneuver around.

• Attach motion-detecting sprinklers or sprayers to beds that will douse deer in water if they approach at night.

• Opt for solid wood planter box style beds over basic open-topped, short-walled beds. More visual deterrent.

• Install perimeter fencing but also add deterrents like repellents, lighting, or scarecrows for extra protection.

• Fence off only beds with edibles. Many ornamentals are deer resistant so save money by leaving decorative beds open.

Sample Deer Proof Raised Bed Designs

Here are a few example raised bed designs that can help thwart four-legged pests:

• Simple Fenced Box: Build a basic wooden box frame, line the bottom with wire mesh, and install tall garden fencing around it. Include a gated door for access.

• Enclosed Cedar Planter: Construct an enclosed planter from cedar with slatted sides and hardware cloth bottom. Add netted roof panels with slope for runoff.

• Elevated Bed with Overhang: Raise a basic bed on concrete blocks/wooden frame. Add wide, sloped top perimeter ledges that angle outward to prevent deer jumping in.

• Grid and Post System: Set sturdy corner posts and string taut horizontal/vertical wire lines across in grid pattern to block access.

• Decorative Metal Cage: Build open-air cage enclosure from steel fence panels/welded wire. Line bottom with mesh and add a maintenance gate.

Key Features of Deer Resistant Raised Beds

Effective deer proof garden beds often share these design characteristics:

• Physical barriers like tall fencing, walls, or elevation out of reach

• Mesh flooring to prevent access from under the bed

• Motion-activated deterrents like sprinklers or lights

• Netted roof panels over open-topped beds

• Routine application of natural repellent sprays

• Scare tactics using decoys, sounds, or scents

• Minimal gaps or holes for deer to crawl through

• Latched gates and barriers on access doors

• Consistent reapplication of deterrents before they lose effectiveness

Protect Your Bounty Without Sacrificing Beauty or Access

With some clever planning, you can reap a bountiful vegetable or ornamental garden harvest without sharing it with neighborhood deer. Follow these tips to make your raised beds as deer resistant as possible. Employ multiple deterrent strategies layered together for highest success chance. Be vigilant about reapplying or activating deterrents before deer can adapt. Soon you’ll have a thriving garden that keeps deer at bay while still being decor-friendly and easy to maintain. Let your raised beds nourish your family, not freeloading forest fauna!

Deer are known for their sensitive noses and are often deterred by strong smells. They dislike the scents of mint, garlic, lavender, blood meal, and certain soaps like Irish Spring. Deer also tend to avoid plants with strong odors, prickly leaves, or those that are toxic to them, such as rhubarb.