How to keep deer away from the hosta plants

Question

I have several varieties of hosta plants in my front yard under the trees.   This is the first year the deer are coming at night and eating the leaves!    It is not condusive to install a fence.   Any suggestions or suggestions of products to discourage them?

Rhonda B · Answer

Bobbex deer repellent is the best, Liquid Fence works great also. Problem is it can get expensive especially if it rains frequently (needs to be reapplied after the rain).

JJ Marshall · Answer

Could you add some marigolds here and there? A lot of animals do not like that smell. Ex. deer , rabbits, groundhogs etc.

Dawn R Fischer · Answer

I've heard that human hair clippings sprinkled around can repel deer, due to the scent. Ask at your salon or barber if you can have what they sweep up.

Gigi · Answer

I put a fence around mine, thinking deer won't go into a small enclosed area, well one did and snacked. I ended up putting a bird netting just over the hostas. So far so good. It's thin and lightweight and can't see the netting unless you get close up.

Patti @Hearth and Vine · Answer

I've used liquid fence with some luck. You have to re-spray after it rains. If you are lucky they will be trained to avoid that area after a while.

Connie · Answer

The same thing happened to us last year. This year, we put down malorganite around the perimeter of the yard and extra around plants. It is pretty inexpensive and is also used as a fertilizer...our grass is quite green! Anyway, so far, so good. My flowers (hosta and hydrangea) are still intact. Last year at this time they were all eaten. Re apply after a couple of weeks. Good luck!

Deanna · Answer

Somewhere on line I found the grossest recipe I used to keep the deer off of my zinnias. If I remember right it had dish soap, mouthwash, water, 1 egg and I don't remember exactly what else but it worked! I think if you Google deer repellent recipe you'll find it. If the little suckers come back I'll be Googling it again!!!

Lokie · Answer

Last summer I was having problems with both deer and rabbits. I went and got the last flat of marigolds and planted around the border. Not sure if it will work for you but it kept them out of the veggie garden for me. This year I made sure to get some marigolds early so i would have plenty. There now planted all around the veggie garden and some other beds I have and so far no problems rabbits or deer. :)

Marsha · Answer

I have been using Milorganite for a few yrs now and i have been able to keep the deer away from my plants that they love. I put it around the base of each plant, I am very generous with it. Great fertilizer too

Nancy Hiatt · Answer

thanks! I appreciate the suggestions!

Marnie Guy · Answer

I find Irish Spring soap cut in several slices and spread around the plant works.  You will have to replace after a rain or as soap dissolves.

Jacqueline · Answer

I found a product at stores like Farm and Fleet . I don't remember the name but if you go in and ask they should know what you are looking for. It is a kit sort that has several metal spikes that you put in the ground and then there is a special cup like device that sits on top that is filled with a powder and it will work and no need to keep replacing them all the time. Will last all summer. You space them so many feet apart so it is easy to cover a large area. I had about 20 Hosta all along the back of my house and never lost any of them.

Redcatcec · Answer

Plant sage among the hostas, deer hate it.

Nancy Hiatt · Answer

Thanks so much!!!!

How to keep deer away from the hosta plants

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How to keep deer away from the hosta plants

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