No plant is truly deer-proof, but these five tactics—together—keep browsing to a minimum.
1. Start with plants deer avoid
Aromatic, fuzzy, or bitter plants like lavender, catmint, boxwood, daffodils, and ferns. Search 527 rated plants by your zone.
2. Rotate repellents
Deer get used to one scent — switch every few weeks and reapply after rain.
3. Fence what matters
A 7–8 ft fence, or a fishing-line barrier at nose height, protects high-value beds.
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4. Protect new plantings
Even resistant plants get sampled when young — net or cage them the first season.
5. Layer and vary
Surround tempting plants with aromatics, and keep plantings dense and mixed.