Gardener's Query: Do Deer Eat Marigolds and Geraniums?

Gardening enthusiasts often face the challenge of keeping deer away from their beloved plants. One common question is, "Do deer eat marigolds and geraniums?" Understanding deer behavior and plant preferences can help gardeners protect their flowers effectively. This article explores the likelihood of deer eating marigolds and geraniums, provides tips for protecting your garden, and introduces Messinas' range of natural repellents.

Understanding Deer Behavior

Do Deer Eat Marigolds and Geraniums?

Deer are known to be opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat a wide variety of plants depending on availability and their level of hunger. However, they do have certain preferences and aversions.

Marigolds

Generally, deer tend to avoid marigolds. These flowers have a strong, pungent odor that deer find unappealing. The scent of marigolds acts as a natural deterrent, making them a popular choice for gardeners looking to protect more vulnerable plants. While marigolds are not entirely deer-proof, they are less likely to be eaten by deer compared to other plants.

Geraniums

Similar to marigolds, geraniums are also less likely to be eaten by deer. Geraniums have a distinct smell and a slightly bitter taste that deer do not particularly enjoy. However, in times of food scarcity, deer may still nibble on geraniums. Therefore, while geraniums are relatively deer-resistant, they are not completely safe from deer browsing.

RELATED: Do Deer Eat Mums and Pansies? Protecting Your Flowers

Why Deer Avoid Certain Plants

Deer have very sensitive noses and rely on their olfactory senses. Deer tend to avoid plants with strong scents, tough or spiny textures, and bitter tastes. Plants that produce these characteristics act as natural deterrents. Understanding these preferences can help gardeners choose plants that are less likely to be targeted by deer.

Protecting Your Garden from Deer

Planting Deer-Resistant Varieties

One of the most effective ways to protect your garden is by planting deer-resistant varieties. In addition to marigolds and geraniums, other deer-resistant plants include:

• Lavender: Known for its strong scent, lavender is typically avoided by deer.
• Rosemary: Another fragrant herb, rosemary, acts as a natural deer deterrent.
• Salvia: With its tough texture and strong aroma, salvia is not a preferred food for deer.
• Foxglove: The bitter taste and toxic properties of foxglove make it unappealing to deer.

Creating Physical Barriers

Physical barriers such as Plotsaver or fences are highly effective at keeping deer out of gardens. When building a fence, it is important to ensure that it is tall enough, as deer are capable of jumping over barriers. A fence height of at least 8 feet is recommended.

Messinas Deer-Repellent Solutions

Messinas Deer Stopper Liquid Animal Repellent

Messinas Deer Stopper Liquid Animal Repellent is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to protect their plants from deer. This product creates a sensory barrier that deters deer through smell and taste.

Features:

• Natural Ingredients: Safe for use around children, pets, and edible plants.
• Long-Lasting: Effective for up to 30 days per application.
• Ease of Use: Simply spray on plants and areas where deer are a problem.

Messinas Animal Stopper Granular Repellent

For those who prefer a granular form, Messinas Animal Stopper Granular offers another effective solution. This product can be spread around the perimeter of your garden to create a barrier that deer find unpleasant.

Features:

• Granular Form: Easy to apply around garden beds and specific plants.
• Safe and Natural: Made with essential oils and other natural ingredients.
• Weather-Resistant: Provides protection for up to 30 days, even after rain.

Combining Repellents with Planting Strategies

Using deer repellents in combination with planting strategies can enhance the overall effectiveness of your deer control efforts. For example, planting deer-resistant varieties around the perimeter of your garden and using repellents on more vulnerable plants can create multiple layers of protection.

The Science Behind Deer Repellents

How Deer Repellents Work

Deer repellents work by targeting the sensory systems of deer. Ingredients like peppermint oil, garlic oil, and other strong-smelling compounds create an environment that is unpleasant for deer. These scents overwhelm the deer’s sense of smell, making treated areas unappealing for them to enter or feed on. Some repellents also contain bitter-tasting ingredients that discourage deer from chewing on treated plants.

Benefits of Natural Repellents

Natural repellents offer several advantages over chemical-based products:

• Safety: Natural repellents are safe for use around children, pets, and edible plants.
• Environmental Protection: They do not pose a risk to non-target wildlife or the environment.
• Humane: Repellents deter deer without harming them, allowing them to find alternative habitats away from your garden.

Additional Tips for Deer Control

Regular Maintenance

Maintaining your garden and ensuring that all deterrents remain effective is crucial. Regularly inspect your garden for any signs of deer activity and reapply repellents as needed. Keeping plants healthy and stress-free also makes them less appealing to deer.

Strategic Planting

Planting deer-resistant varieties around the perimeter of your garden can act as a natural barrier, protecting more vulnerable plants in the center. Additionally, grouping plants with similar deterrent properties together can enhance their effectiveness.

Community Cooperation

If you live in a community with other gardeners, coordinating deer control efforts can increase overall effectiveness. A consistent approach across multiple gardens can create a more significant deterrent effect, making the entire area less attractive to deer.

So, Do Deer Eat Marigolds and Geraniums?

Understanding whether deer eat marigolds and geraniums is essential for gardeners looking to protect their flowers. While these plants are relatively deer-resistant, they are not entirely safe from deer browsing. Using natural repellents like Messinas Deer Stopper Liquid Animal Repellent and Messinas Animal Stopper Granular Repellent can provide effective protection and help maintain a beautiful, deer-free garden.

For more information on our products and to explore our full range of animal repellents, visit Messinas Blog. Protect your garden with safe and effective solutions from Messinas.