Gardening with Deer

In northern central Oregon, where the temperatures in summer can be as high as 100 degrees and winters as low as 10, is a remote forested area populated with deer. In the middle of this rural haven live Jon and Ann Dunagan and their family of 7 children. Jon is an avid gardener. Everybody knows that gardening and a nearby deer population can be a challenge, but Jon has found a remarkable way to cohabitate with his fleet-footed neighbors. As a matter of fact he has made them a part of his gardening plan.

Of all garden delicacies deer seem to prefer roses most. Tender young buds and luscious new growth draw them to the banquet of 150 rose bushes (most came from Heirloom) surrounding the Dunagan home. To discourage their feasting John uses a mixture that he guarantees will discourage them. They don’t even nibble on his prized rose garden. I’ve been there and I can tell you that his roses are untouched by the nimble lips of hungry deer.

In the spring when the first bit of green appears Jon begins a weekly spray application of his special mixture. [The recipe is at the bottom of this page.] But listen to what he does in the fall. He stops spraying about the first week in September. The deer immediately show up and begin their volunteer employment in the garden. The deer do the winter pruning. They nibble away all they want leaving the rose garden trimmed back enough so that the winter snows will not break or bend the remaining canes. In the spring, though, they must find other sources because as soon as the first bit of green appears Jon begins his spray program. As a nature lover he would not harm the deer but this organic concoction they find detestable. Watching from his window, he sees them as they slowly approach his roses. One whiff and they jump back and meander off in search of alternative nourishment.

~ Louise Clements, owner

Organic Deer Repellent Recipe

• Mix in a blender:
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/3 cup Tabasco sauce
  • 1/3 cup liquid dishwashing soap
• Pour into a gallon tank sprayer and fill with water.
• Spray thoroughly once a week.
• As an additional deterrent, you may add a cube of beef bullion (since deer do not like meat) but this is not usually necessary.

This mixture does not hurt roses and Jon reports that it has never hurt any other plant that he has sprayed it on. Be sure to wear gloves and goggles when applying this mixture.