Mint is a popular herb that is often used in cooking. It has a refreshing, slightly sweet taste that many people enjoy. But what about deer? Will they eat mint? In this blog post, we will explore the answer to that question and discuss some of the benefits of using mint as a deer repellent.
Will Deer Eat Mint?
No, deer will not eat mint. In fact, they are known to dislike the smell and taste of mint. This is good news for gardeners who want to keep deer out of their gardens. Mint can be used as a natural deer repellent. Just plant some mint around your garden, and the deer will stay away.
There are several reasons why deer do not like mint. One reason is that mint is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which also includes basil, rosemary, and sage.
Another reason is that mint has a strong scent that can be overwhelming to deer. In fact, the herb is even too strong for us humans when used in large amounts! We tend to use just a pinch of it for a whole meal.
This is why many gardeners use mint as a natural pest control method. The strong scent of mint will keep deer away, while also deterring other pests such as rabbits and mice.
If you are looking for a natural way to keep deer out of your garden, try planting some mint. Mint is easy to grow and maintain, and it will help to keep your garden free of deer damage. Plus, you can use the mint leaves in cooking or add them to your favorite tea.
How to Protect Mint from Deer?
While deer hate the smell and taste of mint, they could still trample on the plant if they are desperate enough for food. If you live in an area with a high deer population, it is important to take steps to protect your mint plants from being damaged.
1. Fencing
You can use fencing to keep deer out of your garden. Just be sure to choose a fence that is at least eight feet tall as deer can jump high.
Almost any material can be used for fencing, but metal or wire mesh is best as it will not rot like wood. You can also use an electric fence to keep deer away from your mint plants. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Whichever type of fence you go for, be sure to install it around the entire perimeter of your garden. This will create a barrier that deer cannot cross.
If you want a more aesthetically pleasing option, try planting some tall plants in front of your mint. This will create a natural barrier that deer are less likely to cross.
For an affordable and less permanent structure, I recommend this netting from Amazon a great way to keep deer out of your garden.
2. Deer Repellents
Another way to keep deer away from your mint plants is to use deer repellents. These products work by emitting a strong scent that deer do not like. As mentioned earlier, mint has a strong scent that will deter deer. You can buy mint oil or make your own repellent at home using essential oils.
There are also many commercial deer repellents available on the market. These products usually contain natural ingredients that will not harm your plants or animals.
To use a deer repellent, simply spray it around the perimeter of your garden to create a barrier that deer will not cross. This should also stop them from smelling the other plants in your garden and prevent them from eating them.
3. Raised Beds
If you are really worried about deer damaging your mint plants, you can grow them in raised beds. This will protect the plants from being trampled and make it harder for deer to reach them.
You can buy raised bed kits from most garden centers or online retailers. Alternatively, you can build your own using wood or concrete blocks.
You can also grow mint in containers. This is a great option if you want to move the plants around your garden or bring them indoors over winter.
4. Sprinklers
Another way to keep deer away from your mint plants is to install a sprinkler system. This will deter deer from coming into your garden as they do not like being wet, and the random movement of the sprinklers will startle them.
You can buy a ready-made sprinkler system from most hardware stores. Alternatively, you can make your own using a hose and some irrigation tubing.
To use a sprinkler system to deter deer, simply turn it on when you see deer in your garden. The noise and movement of the water will scare them away.
You can also use this method to protect other plants in your garden that deer like to eat such as roses, tulips, and daffodils.
Can Mint Be Used as Deer-Resistant Fencing?
While deer dislike mint and will be repelled by its smell, the plant is not strong enough to withstand the weight of a deer. So, while you can use mint as part of your deer-resistant fencing, it should not be used alone.
it could be a good idea to plant some mint just the other side of your fence as an extra deterrent. This way, if the deer jump over the fence, they will be met with a strong smell that will deter them from eating your plants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, deer HATE mint. The strong smell of the plant will deter them from coming into your garden and eating your plants. You can use mint as part of your deer-resistant fencing or make a homemade repellent to keep them away.
It’s worth noting that deer are random animals and their eating habits can change from day to day. So, even if you have mint in your garden, there is no guarantee that they will not eat it. The best way to protect your plants is to use a combination of the methods mentioned above.
Do you have any tips on how to keep deer away from mint? Let us know in the comments below!
The radish plant has a number of different parts that can be eaten, including the roots, leaves, and flowers. The root is the most commonly eaten part of the radish, but the leaves can also be eaten.
Deer are definitely not the pickiest eaters around. They will consume just about anything that is available to them, but some plants they will avoid if they have other options. But what about radish leaves? Are your radish leaves at threat from deer? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at whether deer will eat radish leaves or not.
Will Deer Eat Radish Leaves?
Yes, deer love radish leaves! In fact, they are one of the tastiest things that deer will eat. Radish leaves are high in nutrients and are a great source of food for deer. If you have radishes growing in your garden, then you should expect to see deer eating the leaves.
Deer will be able to detect the radish leaves from a distance and will be attracted to them. This can be good news if you want to attract deer to your property, but it can also be bad news if you’re trying to keep them away. If you don’t want deer eating your radish leaves, then you’ll need to take some steps to deter them.
How to Protect Radish from Deer?
As deer love radish leaves so much, it will be hard work to protect your radish plants from them. But, there are a few things that you can do to deter deer from eating your radish leaves:
1. Fencing
The most effective way to keep deer away from your radish plants is to build a fence around them. Now, deer are large animals that can jump high, so your fence will need to be tall enough to deter them. A good rule of thumb is to make your fence at least six feet tall.
You can use any type of material to build your fence, but it needs to be strong enough to withstand the weight of a deer if they were to jump into it. A chain-link fence or a wooden fence would be a good option.
If you don’t want to build a permanent structure, then you could use a lightweight option that will still deter deer. I recommend this netting from Amazon as an effective and affordable way to deter deer from your radish leaves.
Deer netting
2. Deer Repellents
Another way to keep deer away from your radish plants is to use deer repellents. There are a number of different products on the market that you can use, but I recommend using a natural option.
Natural deer repellents are safe to use around children and pets, and they’re also environmentally friendly. One of the best natural deer repellents that you can use is garlic, but I also recommend lavender, mind, and rosemary. Basically, any strong-smelling herb will work as a deer repellent.
Deer repellents work by creating an unpleasant smell or taste that will deter deer from eating your plants. You can find deer repellents that contain different ingredients, such as eggs, garlic, or chili peppers.
To use a deer repellent, you will need to apply it to the leaves of your radish plants. You will need to reapply the repellent every few days, especially after it rains.
3. Sprinklers
Another way to keep deer away from your radish plants is to use a sprinkler system. Deer are scared of sudden movements, so if you have a sprinkler system that is set to go off randomly, then it will deter deer from coming near your plants.
You can find automatic sprinkler systems that you can connect to a timer, or you could just use a regular garden hose. If you go the latter route, then you will need to manually turn the sprinklers on and off.
Whichever option you choose, make sure that the sprinklers are pointing towards your radish plants. You should also set them to go off at different intervals so that the deer never know when they’re going to get wet.
Can Radish Plants Be Used as Deer-Resistant Fencing?
No, your radish leaves will not last long if you try to use them as deer-resistant fencing. Deer are not deterred by the taste or smell of radishes and will happily munch on your radish leaves if they are available.
While radishes may not be effective at deterring deer, they can be used as a food source for them. Deer enjoy eating radish leaves and roots, so planting radishes in your garden may actually attract deer to it.
If you are concerned about deer eating your radish plants, I recommend using one of the methods listed above to deter them from entering your garden.
Conclusion
In conclusion, deer will eat radish leaves if they are available. If you are concerned about deer damaging your radish plants, you can take some steps to protect them by erecting a fence around your garden or using a deer repellent.
Do you have any tips for deterring deer from gardens? Share them in the comments below!
Begonia plants can be a great addition to any garden, but sometimes they can start to look a bit leggy. This happens when the plants grow too tall and the leaves get long and thin.
Don’t worry, there are ways to help your begonias stay healthy and look good! In this blog post, we will discuss some of the things you can do to help your leggy begonias.
Why Do Begonias Get Leggy?
The main reason begonias get leggy is because they are not getting enough light. When begonias don’t get enough light, they stretch out to try and reach the light source. This process is called etiolation and it causes the plant to become long and thin.
If your begonia is looking leggy, the first thing you should do is check the amount of light it is getting. Begonias need at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. If your begonia is not getting enough light, move it to a spot where it will get more sun.
While begonias can survive in some shade, they need to receive light every day if they are to thrive and bloom. If your begonia is not getting enough light, it will become leggy and the leaves will start to turn yellow from lack of chlorophyll production.
I will now go into some of the ways you can help your leggy begonias become healthy and look good again.
How Can I Help My Leggy Begonias?
There are two main ways to help your leggy begonias: provide more light and prune the plants. I will now discuss each of these in more detail.
1. Providing More Light
As I mentioned before, the main reason begonias get leggy is because they are not getting enough light. The best way to help your leggy begonias is to provide them with more light.
Some begonia plants like full light, while others like partial shade. If you are not sure what type of begonia you have, it is best to check with the nursery or garden center where you bought the plant.
Once you know what type of begonia you have, you can choose a spot in your garden that gets the appropriate amount of light. If you already know how much light your leggy begonias are getting, increase the amount of light by moving the plants to a sunnier spot.
If you can’t provide your begonias with more light, you can try using grow lights. Grow lights are special lamps that emit light that is similar to sunlight. This can help your begonias get the light they need to stay healthy.
2. Pruning the Begonias
Leggy begonias should be pinched back to encourage new growth. Pinching back means removing the tips of the plants. This will cause the plants to branch out and become fuller.
To pinch back your leggy begonias, use a pair of sharp scissors to snip off the tips of the plants. You can also cut back the stems by a few inches. Make sure to make the cuts above a leaf node, which is where new leaves will grow.
After you have pruned your begonias, they may look a bit sad. But don’t worry, they will soon start to grow new leaves and stems!
3. Reduce Fertilizer
There’s a chance that you may be fertilizing your begonias too much. When this happens, the plants have so many nutrients that they get excited and try to grow as fast as they can. This causes the plants to become leggy and the leaves to turn yellow.
If you think you may be fertilizing your begonias too much, reduce the amount of fertilizer you are using. You should also make sure you are using a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen. Nitrogen is a nutrient that encourages fast growth, so you want to avoid using fertilizers that are high in nitrogen.
You can also try using a slow-release fertilizer. Slow-release fertilizers release nutrients slowly over time, so they don’t cause the plants to become leggy.
How to Prune a Leggy Begonia?
To prune a leggy begonia, follow these steps:
Work out how much you want to remove from the plant. Think about if the begonia is growing in one direction and you want it to grow more evenly. You can also use a ruler or measuring tape to help you work out how much to remove
Sterilize all of your equipment. This includes your secateurs, scissors, or knife. You can do this by wiping the blades down with rubbing alcohol
Use sharp scissors or secateurs to cut above a leaf node. A leaf node is where new leaves will grow, so make sure to not cut too close to the node
Repeat this process until you have removed the desired amount from the plant
Give your begonia a good drink of water and place it in a spot with bright, indirect light
Conclusion
In conclusion, leggy begonias can be helped by providing them with more light, pruning the plants, and reducing fertilizer. By following these tips, you will have healthy and happy begonias in no time!
The biggest takeaway is to make sure your begonias are getting enough light. If you can provide them with more light, either by moving them to a sunnier spot or using grow lights, this will help the plants become healthier and prevent them from becoming leggy.
I hope this article was helpful in teaching you how to help your leggy begonias. Do you have any tips for helping leggy begonias? Let us know in the comments below!
It’s the time of year when gardeners start to think about planting their summer flowers. One of the most popular types of flowers for gardens is the begonia. Begonias come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and there is a type of begonia for just about every climate.
But one question that begonia gardeners often ask is whether or not begonias are slug resistant. In this blog post, we will take a look at the answer to that question!
Are Begonias Slug Resistant?
Yes, begonias are slug resistant. In fact, they are one of the most slug-resistant flowers that you can grow in your garden! This is because slugs dislike the taste of begonias, and they will often avoid eating them altogether.
Begonias also have a thick, waxy coating on their leaves that slugs cannot penetrate. This means that if you have a begonia plant in your garden, it is very unlikely that you will ever see a slug on it!
So if you’re looking for a summer flower to add to your garden this year, begonias are a great option. Not only are they beautiful and easy to care for, but they will also keep your garden free of pesky slugs!
Can I Make a Slug-Resistant Bed with Begonias?
Yes, you can! If you want to create a bed that is completely resistant to slugs, you can plant begonias around the perimeter of the bed. This will create a barrier that slugs will not be able to cross.
You can also add other slug-resistant plants to the bed, such as marigolds, impatiens, and petunias. By doing this, you will create a beautiful garden that is also completely safe from slugs.
To make the bed, simply choose a location that gets full sun and prepare the soil by tilling it and adding some compost. Then, plant your begonias (and other slug-resistant plants) around the perimeter of the bed. Water regularly, and you will soon have a beautiful, slug-free garden!
Other Ways to Keep Slugs Out of the Garden
In addition to planting begonias around the perimeter of your garden, there are other ways that you can keep slugs out.
1. Slug Barrier
One way is to create a “slug barrier” with objects such as stones, bricks, or woodchips. Simply place these objects around the perimeter of your garden, and slugs will not be able to cross them.
You can make this barrier sharp to the touch by using eggshells and other sharp objects. This will deter slugs from even attempting to cross the barrier!
2. Slug Pellets
Another way to keep slugs out of the garden is to use slug pellets. Slug pellets are poisonous to slugs, and they will die if they eat them.
However, slug pellets can also be harmful to pets and children, so it is important to use them with caution. If you decide to use slug pellets in your garden, be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully.
The Slug & Snail Bait comes well recommended by me and the hundreds of other gardeners I’ve spoken to over the years. It’s affordable and works like a charm.
3. Handpicking
Another way to keep slugs out of your garden is to handpick them. This is a bit more time-consuming, but it can be very effective. Simply walk around your garden each day and look for slugs.
When you find one, pick it up and throw it into a bucket of soapy water. Doing this every day will eventually reduce the slug population in your garden. You can even use slug traps to help in your quest to rid your garden of these pests!
Conclusion
In conclusion, begonias are slug resistant and can be used to create a slug-resistant bed. There are also other ways to keep slugs out of your gardens, such as using a slug barrier or mulch. Handpicking is also an effective method, but it requires more time and effort.
Whatever method you choose, by following these tips you can keep your garden free of slugs. Do you have any tips for keeping slugs out of the garden? Share them in the comments below!
Is your garden full of beautiful geraniums? If so, you may be wondering if they will survive the winter. In this blog post, we will discuss whether or not geraniums can survive frost and provide some tips to help keep them healthy during the colder months.
How to Overwinter Geraniums?
Overwintering geraniums is a bit more challenging than other plants, but with a little extra care, they can survive the frost and bloom again in the spring. Here are a few tips to help you overwinter your geraniums:
1) Plan Accordingly
It’s important to think about what geranium you want to overwinter before the frost hits. It’s a time-consuming task, so you want to make sure you pick the right plant. Also, think about how much space you have inside and if you have enough room to keep the plant alive and thriving.
2) Start with a Healthy Plant
The healthier the plant, the better it will be able to withstand the winter. If your geranium is already looking a bit stressed, it’s best to try and revive it before the frost hits. This means making sure it’s getting enough water and sunlight. Once the frost hits, it will be more difficult to revive a sickly plant.
3) Prune
You may need to prune your geranium to remove any dead or dying leaves and stems. This will help the plant focus its energy on staying alive and not on producing new growth. In fact, it’s recommended to prune up to two-thirds when potting geraniums and bringing them inside for winter.
Simply use a sharp knife or gardening shears that have been disinfected to avoid spreading any diseases. Then dispose of the trimmings in the trash.
4) Use the Right Soil and Pot
When potting your geranium for winter, make sure to use a well-draining potting mix. This will help prevent the roots from rotting. The size of the pot will also be important. You want to make sure it’s big enough for the plant but not too big that the soil stays wet.
5) Find a Sunny Area
Geraniums brought inside for the winter still need plenty of sunlight. Aim to provide a few hours of light each day, either from a south-facing window or by using grow lights. These grow lights are excellent if you don’t have a lot of sun in your home.
The plant should be a few feet away from any windows or lights to ensure it doesn’t burn from the heat. Monitor the plant closely to make sure it’s not getting too much or too little light.
6) Water sparingly
During the winter, your geranium will need less water than it does during the summer. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.
7) Get it Off the Ground
If your plants are already potted, you may want to simply leave the plants outside in winter. You can do this, but you must take extra care to protect the roots from freezing. One way to do this is to place the pot above ground on something like blocks of wood. This will help keep the roots warmer.
A tarp or similar material can also be placed over the pot to help insulate it. This is especially important if you live in an area that gets a lot of rainfall or cold weather.
Can Geraniums Survive Frost?
No, geraniums cannot survive frost. If the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant will freeze and start to die. This is why it’s so important to bring them inside or provide some type of shelter before the first frost hits.
One way to provide shelter is by covering the plant with a sheet or tarp. Be sure to remove any snow or ice that may accumulate on top of the plant. Another option is to dig up the plant and store it in a cool, dry place for the winter.
Overwintering Bare Root Geraniums
Although this isn’t my favorite method, some people do overwinter their geraniums by storing the bare roots in a cool, dry place. This can be done by digging up the plant and removing all the soil from the roots. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
Step one: Dig up the plant and remove as much soil from the roots as possible. The plant should be left to dry out fully for a few days.
Step two: Find a cool, dry place to store the roots. This can be in the newspaper, cardboard boxes, and hanging from the rafters. Just make sure the temperature stays around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step three: Monitor the roots for signs of mold or rot. If any roots start to rot, they should be removed immediately.
Step four: Before the final first date, remove the roots from storage and replant them in fresh potting mix. They can then be slowly introduced back to the original place where they were planted.
When Should I Bring Geraniums Inside?
It’s best to bring geraniums inside before the first frost hits. This way, you can avoid any damage that may occur from the cold weather. If you live in an area with a lot of snow and ice, it’s best to bring them inside a few weeks before the first frost is expected.
If you can’t bring your geraniums inside, be sure to provide some type of shelter to protect them from the frost. This could be as simple as covering them with a tarp or sheet.
Can Geraniums Be Kept Inside During Winter?
Yes, geranium plants don’t go dormant, so taking them indoors is a good way to make them last longer and survive the winter. Here are some tips for keeping your geraniums healthy indoors:
Place them in a sunny spot near a window where they will get at least six hours of sunlight each day
Water the plants when the soil feels dry to the touch, and be sure to empty any water that collects in the saucer beneath the pot
Fertilize the plants every two weeks with a half-strength solution of an all-purpose fertilizer
When spring arrives, gradually acclimate your geraniums to outdoor conditions by placing them in a shady spot for a few hours each day
Conclusion
With a little extra care, you can overwinter your geraniums and keep them healthy until spring. By following these tips, you can ensure that your plants will survive the frost and bloom beautifully in the spring.
I hope this article was helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Have you had any success with overwintering geraniums? Please share your tips with us!
