Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Plants that deer don't eat, as much

First of all, deer absolutely love hostas. If you like watching deer in your backyard, plant a whole bunch of hostas.
But if hungry enough, deer will eat nearly anything growing in your yard. The plants that have the best chance of surviving raids by deer are flowers and plants that have a pungent scent, fuzzy or woody leaves and/or an unpleasant taste.

Flowers that are usually left alone by deer
Lavender
Alyssum
Amaranth
Calendula
Carnation
Columbine
Cosmos
Echinacea
Forget-Me-Knot
Four O' Clock
Heliotrope
Marigold
Morning Glory
Nasturtium
Poppy
Statice
Zinnia

Deer resistant herbs
 Marjoram, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Spearmint and Thyme

Vegetables
I have found that deer will eat jalapenos when hungry enough, but that's not their first choice.. They don't usually eat onion, potato, squash and tomato plants or parsley or other herbs.
Their favorites as I know from personal experience, are green beans, Swiss chard, spinach, lettuce, carrots, peas and broccoli.

 Renee'sGarden.com has a list of deer resistant varieties, Also check with Michigan State County Extension office

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